Smaki 08 breaks silence on removal from production credits
South African producer Smaki 08 has released a public statement expressing his shock and disappointment at being removed from the production credits of 12 songs on DJ Jaivane’s upcoming album Onkgopotse, scheduled for release on 31 August 2025.
14 tracks submitted, 12 stripped of his name
Smaki revealed that over the past year, he produced, composed, and engineered 14 songs for the project—handling everything from vocal recordings to final arrangement. Despite this, he says he was informed on 28 July that his name would be removed from most of the tracks, citing a decision by the distributor concerned about “how it would look” for one producer to dominate the credits.
Producer calls out lack of consultation and legal breach
“No agreement was signed. I was never consulted. I was given no chance to approve or reject this removal,” Smaki wrote, adding that he has retained full project files, stems, and proof of authorship. He announced that legal steps have been taken to halt the album’s distribution until his contributions are formally acknowledged.
Industry support and viral hashtags
The producer’s statement has sparked strong reactions online, with the hashtags #JusticeForSmaki08, #RespectTheProducer, and #IndependentArtistsMatter gaining traction among fans and fellow musicians. Smaki emphasized that this situation reflects a broader issue in the industry, saying: “This is bigger than me—it’s about the future of credit, ownership, and fairness in South African music.”
Simnandi Records responds, commits to post-release credit updates
Label confirms meeting with Smaki 08
In an official statement issued the same day, Simnandi Records acknowledged Smaki 08’s concerns and confirmed that a meeting was held with him and his representatives. According to the label, the distributor has agreed to update the credits after the album’s release, although it will proceed as scheduled on 31 August.
No delay to release, but credits to be corrected after launch
Simnandi said that the album’s rollout could not be stopped at this stage, but they committed to ensuring Smaki is acknowledged for his contributions in the days following its release. “We understand the importance of proper credit,” the statement reads.
Old allegations resurface days before release
Simnandi Records also addressed resurfacing allegations related to the 2021 song Ubushabethu, involving DJ Jaivane. The label noted that previous reconciliation efforts had been made but emphasized their intention to resolve ongoing issues “constructively and respectfully” outside of social media.
Industry watches closely as dispute unfolds
The controversy has sparked broader industry discussions around producer recognition, transparency in collaborations, and the protection of intellectual property in South African music. Both statements reflect a tense but ongoing effort to resolve the issue without further escalation. Further updates from both parties are expected in the coming days.
