Hlotse-born rapper, songwriter, and model Teboho Johannes Maphike, known professionally as Crazy T, has officially parted ways with Sothokids Culture Agency, his longtime management company.
The celebrated artist had been with the agency since 2019, achieving significant milestones under its guidance.
Crazy T announced his departure via social media, stating:
“I would like to announce that I’m no longer working with my previous team. After four years together, I want to clarify that there is no bad blood between me and my brothers.”
However, in an exclusive interview with Newsday Arts, the rapper disclosed that a series of events, particularly personal disagreements with his manager, Makhebe Seatlana, led to his decision to leave.
Clash over marriage
Crazy T, who recently tied the knot with his girlfriend of a few months, revealed that his manager had strongly opposed the marriage, arguing that he was not financially stable enough for such a commitment.
“The truth is, I had no plans to leave the agency anytime soon. But after a series of events in recent weeks leading up to my wedding, I had to reevaluate my position. After discussing it with my wife, I made the difficult decision to part ways,” he explained.
He further alleged that Makhebe’s disapproval influenced other artists under the same management, including Omali Themba and Cityzeen, who subsequently blocked him on WhatsApp and unfollowed him on social media.
“Two weeks ago, I was paid for a gig, and shortly after, Omali Themba called, asking for money. Since I was on public transport, I told him we’d talk later. I didn’t realise he took offence until I heard from Makhebe that Omali was unhappy about my response. Later, I discovered that both Omali and Cityzeen had blocked and unfollowed me, and they didn’t even attend my wedding,” Crazy T shared.
Management’s response
Makhebe confirmed that he disapproved of Crazy T’s marriage, maintaining that it was a rushed decision with financial consequences.
“I told him I do not support this decision because he is not financially stable. For a long time, I have made efforts to ensure that he is taken care of. Marrying someone he met in January this year was not a well-calculated move. Then, I received a message from his phone, though it was clearly from his partner, insulting me and telling me to stay out of his personal matters,” Makhebe said.
Regarding the financial dispute, Makhebe explained that Omali’s request for money was made in jest but that tensions escalated when he later attempted to discuss the matter with Crazy T.
“During the call, I heard his partner telling him to drop the phone. Then Crazy T asked me if I was done talking before ending the call. That was the last time we spoke. His behaviour disappointed many within the agency, which is why some of the artists chose to distance themselves from him. It was not my directive for them to block him.”
A new chapter for Crazy T
Despite the fallout, Crazy T remains optimistic about his future in the music industry. While it is unclear whether he will seek new management, for now, he plans to remain independent.
Founded in 2018 by Makhebe Seatlana, Sothokids Culture Agency has played a pivotal role in discovering and nurturing talent in Lesotho. However, the agency now moves forward without one of its most prominent members.
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