RISING gqom star Captain breaks the silence.
This follows accusations that he's imitating his late friend and mentor, Mampintsha.
The newcomer, whose real name is Siphamandla Mathebula (39), is making waves in the music industry under DJ Tira's powerhouse label, Afrotainment.
But some fans and online commenters have been quick to accuse him of copying the late gqom legend Mandla "Mampintsha" Maphumulo.
Captain, who hails from Ladysmith, KZN, has hit back at the claims, saying he's simply honouring his late friend's legacy.
Speaking during an interview on Gagasi FM, the artist said he's not trying to replace Mampintsha but carries his spirit forward.
"To be honest, I looked up to Mampintsha. I learned a lot from him, and believe it or not, he also learned a thing or two from me," said Captain.
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He said he doesn't take criticism to heart.
"I am not going to go into it because there are a lot of things have been said. I don't have a problem with everything that has been said because it's someone else's view or opinion, and I don't have the right to deny that."
What hurts him most is the accusation that he's pretending to be Mampintsha.
"It is painful to hear people's comments that I am acting like Mampitsha. When I started in this game, the aim was not to imitate him but push my friend's legacy and spirit. I won't hide that."
Captain said there's only one Mampintsha, and he has no plans to fill his shoes.
"I will never act like I am Mampitsha. I will never be him. He taught me a lot of things, and I had to be taught for me to be ready to sing. I will always salute him."
Captain is currently cooking up new music under Afrotainment and promises to drop bangers that will keep Mampintsha's flame burning while still carving out his unique sound.
