Themba Sonnyboy Sekowe, famously known as DJ Maphorisa or Madumane, has carved a monumental presence in the South African music scene, particularly as a pioneer of Amapiano. While his musical collaborations and chart-topping hits are widely celebrated, his romantic life has largely remained shrouded in privacy, punctuated by moments of intense public scrutiny. Despite his efforts to keep personal matters out of the spotlight, certain relationships and controversies have inevitably captured media attention, offering glimpses into the romantic journey of the influential artist.
For much of his career, DJ Maphorisa maintained a highly private stance on his dating life, with little public information available about his early relationships. This discretion led to a common perception that he preferred to keep his romantic endeavors separate from his burgeoning public persona. However, this private approach did not entirely shield him from speculation, particularly concerning his preferences in partners.
In late 2020, DJ Maphorisa found himself embroiled in a controversy regarding his alleged relationships with younger women. Reports surfaced, notably from influencer Cyan Bouke, claiming that the DJ was involved with her 19-year-old ex-friend and another individual named Beverly. These allegations sparked widespread debate on social media, with some critics drawing parallels to other public figures who date significantly younger partners, though Maphorisa himself did not publicly confirm or address these specific claims at the time.
The most publicly documented and tumultuous relationship for DJ Maphorisa began to emerge around late 2021 with actress and fellow DJ Thuli Phongolo. Initially, both parties denied the circulating rumors of their romance, despite social media users often piecing together evidence from their posts and public appearances. Their efforts to keep the relationship under wraps eventually proved futile as their connection became increasingly apparent to the public eye.
The relationship with Thuli Phongolo was thrust into an unwelcome spotlight in May 2023 when DJ Maphorisa was arrested on charges of assault. Phongolo opened a case against him, alleging that he had physically assaulted her during an argument at her Sandton apartment. This incident not only confirmed their romantic involvement to the broader public but also ignited significant discussions about gender-based violence in South Africa.
Following his arrest, DJ Maphorisa was granted R4,000 bail, and Thuli Phongolo later filed a withdrawal statement for the charges. Despite Phongolo's decision to drop the case, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) indicated that the decision to prosecute ultimately rested with them, leading to further court appearances for Maphorisa. The couple subsequently released a joint statement, asserting their intention to resolve the matter privately and requesting respect for their privacy amidst the emotional stress.
In the aftermath of the assault allegations, the status of DJ Maphorisa and Thuli Phongolo's relationship remained ambiguous, marked by periods of apparent reconciliation and subsequent reports of separation. Social media activity and public appearances often fueled speculation about whether they were still together or had parted ways. For instance, in early 2024, reports suggested they had reconciled, with Maphorisa reportedly returning cars he had previously taken from Phongolo.
However, by late 2024, Thuli Phongolo publicly clarified her relationship status amidst fresh rumors linking DJ Maphorisa to another personality, Cyan Boujee. Phongolo explicitly stated, > “I’m not dating Phori; let that man live, man.” This statement suggested a definitive end to their romantic involvement, at least from her perspective, and underscored the ongoing public interest in Maphorisa’s dating life.
The recent rumors involving Cyan Boujee have further highlighted DJ Maphorisa's continued presence in the celebrity dating rumor mill. While neither Maphorisa nor Boujee have officially confirmed a relationship, public sightings and social media speculation persist. This pattern reflects the ongoing challenge for a figure of his stature to maintain complete privacy regarding his romantic engagements, as public curiosity often outweighs personal discretion.
DJ Maphorisa's romantic history, though largely kept out of the public eye, has been characterized by a significant, publicly scrutinized relationship with Thuli Phongolo and recurring rumors about his dating preferences. His journey reflects the complexities faced by public figures in balancing a desire for privacy with the intense media and fan interest in their personal lives. As his career continues to evolve, so too does the narrative surrounding his romantic endeavors, perpetually a subject of public fascination.