Months after being crowned the winner of the LNIG Hollard Hit Factory competition, multifaceted hip-hop artist Badghirl Kimberly has voiced her dissatisfaction with the handling of her prize package by the organisers of the Lesotho Spring Music Conference.
Kimberly, known for her contributions to music, fashion, and LGBTQ+ advocacy, won the competition in 2023, securing a M10,000 cash prize, the opportunity to record a single produced by YME Tunes, and a professionally shot music video promised to air on major music channels across Africa.
However, in an interview with this publication, Kimberly alleged that the organisers failed to deliver on all their promises, stating that she has yet to receive the full prize package.
“I’m not happy with how YME Tunes handled things. I didn’t join the competition for the money, but for the promise of connections, networks, and opportunities to elevate my career beyond what I’ve achieved on my own,” Kimberly said.
After returning to the music industry following a three-year hiatus, Kimberly re-emerged with her single Fashion, marking a significant comeback in the rap genre. She explained that her motivation to enter the competition went far beyond the cash incentive—she had hoped it would open doors that had previously been inaccessible.
“As per the terms of winning, I was supposed to record and produce one song with YME Tunes, which would then secure airplay on major South African radio stations. I was also promised a high-quality music video that would be submitted to platforms like MTV Base, Channel O, and other major music channels,” she explained.
While Kimberly confirmed that recording sessions did take place, she noted complications in the production process. “I gave them three song options. We agreed on SPLASH, but Sir Schaba [YME Tunes CEO] only got back to me four months later to say it wasn’t the kind of song he could listen to with his child,” she said.
Kimberly also expressed deep frustration over delays in the music video production. “I personally handled most of the logistics—location, food, models—but it took five months just to receive the first draft. The result looked like it was shot by an amateur, and I made it clear I wasn’t happy,” she said.
Additionally, she claimed she faced repeated challenges when requesting a formal contract and, to date, has not received one.
In response, YME Tunes founder and CEO, Sir Schaba, defended his company’s role, asserting that they delivered on their commitments “to the best of their abilities.”
“Kimberly received everything she was promised. If there were delays, it was largely due to her limited availability for studio sessions and video shoots,” he said. “We were only responsible for providing a videographer. The M10,000 cash prize was meant to help the artist handle other production needs.”
Sir Schaba also addressed the controversy surrounding the chosen song. “We do not interfere with artistic creativity, but we advised her that SPLASH was not radio-friendly, which is what our label focuses on. She insisted on the song regardless.”
Regarding the video delays, Sir Schaba said technical setbacks were to blame. “Some footage was lost, and I had to personally pay for software to help the videographer retrieve it. That process took longer than expected,” he explained.
Despite these clarifications, Kimberly remains adamant that the experience did not live up to what was promised. “All I wanted was a fair opportunity to grow my career—but I feel let down,” she said.
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