The King of Kwaito on family, legacy, and why he no longer feels the need to defend his place in South African music.
For more than three decades, Arthur Mafokate has remained one of South Africa’s most influential music figures. Revered by many as the King of Kwaito, he has helped shape a genre that defined a generation while building a business empire that has launched countless careers.
Yet, despite his legendary status, Mafokate remains surprisingly reserved when it comes to interviews.
Speaking to TheJournalistDJ.Com, the Kwaito pioneer reflected on watching his children follow in his footsteps, the debates surrounding the origins of Kwaito, and his latest World Cup campaign.
Watching His Daughter Follow in His Footsteps
One of the biggest changes in Arthur Mafokate’s life is seeing his daughter, Owami Mafokate, carve out her own journey in the music industry.
While many would assume the veteran musician encouraged the move, he admits it’s a far more complicated emotion.
“It’s exciting, but it’s a tough industry.”
He explains that every parent naturally wants their children to become an even better version of themselves.
“If you were to ask every parent who they’d like their kids to follow, they would probably say themselves, because they believe their children can become a better version of who they are.”
Although he supports her decision, he doesn’t romanticise the entertainment business.
“I wouldn’t advise any other person to allow their kids into this industry. But I did… and it’s cool.”
For Mafokate, his daughter’s career isn’t simply another artist entering the market, it’s an extension of his own legacy.
A Family That Lives and Breathes Music
Music doesn’t end when the Mafokates leave the studio.
With his son AJ Mafokate taking on a management role for his sister, conversations around the dinner table often sound more like executive board meetings than family catch-ups.
According to Arthur, debates are constant.
“We argue about everything, music, politics… everybody thinks they know better than the other.”
Despite the disagreements, he appreciates what those conversations teach him.
Rather than dismissing younger perspectives, Mafokate says he enjoys understanding how the next generation thinks and comparing it to his own experiences when he first entered the industry.
“You learn every day.”
The Debate Around the Birth of Kwaito
Few topics in South African music spark as much debate as the origins of Kwaito.
Arthur Mafokate has long been central to those conversations, but today he appears less interested in convincing people.
Instead, he believes history has already recorded the facts.
“History speaks for itself.”
He expressed frustration at how the narrative around Kwaito has evolved over the years, suggesting that repeated retellings have distorted historical facts.
“Sometimes I refuse doing interviews like this because you guys distort things.”
Rather than entering endless public debates, Mafokate believes the evidence already exists for anyone willing to study the history of South African music.
A Legend Comfortable With His Legacy
Throughout the conversation, Arthur Mafokate comes across as someone no longer chasing validation.
When asked to compare the golden era of Kwaito to today’s music landscape, his response is brief but telling.
“It was cool.”
There is little desire to relive old glories or revisit decades of achievements.
Instead, the veteran artist appears content allowing his catalogue and history to speak on his behalf.
A World Cup Anthem Built Around Football and Community
Away from legacy conversations, Arthur is focused on the present.
According to Mafokate, the campaign has been strengthened through a partnership with Debonairs Pizza, combining football culture, music and community watch parties across South Africa.
“The song is doing very well. It got one of the biggest sync deals.”
The campaign has seen the team travel across the country, bringing fans together to enjoy football, music and food in celebration of Bafana Bafana.
“The Time Will Come”
As the interview draws to a close, Arthur Mafokate is asked whether South Africans will ever hear more detailed stories from one of the country’s most influential music pioneers.
His response is short, but full of promise.
“The time will come.”
For someone whose career helped define an era of South African music, perhaps the full story is still waiting to be told. Until then, Arthur Mafokate remains exactly what history has already made him, a pioneer whose impact continues to shape the sound and business of South African dance music.
