Focalistic Faces Social Media Backlash Over Teaser of Unreleased Track ‘Cat Matlala’
South African Amapiano star Focalistic has found himself at the center of a heated social media debate after teasing an unreleased song that many users believe references a controversial public figure. The track, titled Cat Matlala, features high-profile collaborators DJ Maphorisa, Xduppy, and Benzoo, and has sparked widespread criticism on X following the release of a short teaser clip.
The controversy erupted after Focalistic shared a video of the artists dancing to the unreleased song. The clip quickly gained traction across social media platforms, drawing sharp reactions from users who took issue with the song’s title and perceived subject matter.
At the heart of the backlash is the song’s apparent reference to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a South African businessman who has been linked to multiple legal controversies, including allegations of attempted murder and conspiracy. Although the song’s lyrics have not been fully released, many online commentators felt the teaser trivialised or glamorised a figure associated with serious criminal allegations.
Focalistic Under Fire as Fans Question Creative Choices
Social media users wasted little time expressing their disapproval, with many questioning how the song concept was approved by such a prominent group of artists. One user sarcastically suggested that one artist “had this bright idea, shared it with the others, and they all thought it was a great idea,” implying a lack of judgment behind the release.
Others were more direct in their criticism of Focalistic himself. One post read, “I blame people that kept this boy relevant beyond ‘Ke Star,’” referencing the rapper’s breakout hit and questioning his continued influence in the music industry.
The criticism soon broadened into a wider conversation about celebrity culture and the entertainment industry’s relationship with crime. “South Africa has an unhealthy relationship with criminality,” one user commented, echoing a sentiment shared repeatedly across the platform.
Several users expressed discomfort with what they perceived as insensitivity toward alleged victims connected to Matlala’s legal cases. One post directly addressed Focalistic, asking what should be said about people affected by the businessman’s alleged actions, describing the teaser as “very disturbing.”
Some fans urged others to preserve evidence of the backlash, warning that comments might later be deleted. “Check the Instagram comments before they start deleting,” one user wrote, encouraging people to keep screenshots before artists allegedly “gaslight” audiences with unrelated content.
Despite the wave of criticism, not all reactions were negative. A segment of users came to Focalistic’s defense, arguing that the outrage was overblown and based on assumptions rather than confirmed facts about the song’s meaning.
One defender suggested that the reference was being misunderstood. “Idk, maybe le betha ke spitori,” the user wrote. “The song is not about Cat Matlala. It’s just one line that references him. He said he’s a cat like Matlala — a simple comparison. Rap folks do this all the time.”
Supporters argued that metaphorical name-dropping and pop-culture references are common in hip-hop and Amapiano, and that audiences may be projecting deeper meaning onto a song they have not yet heard in full. They cautioned against canceling artists based on snippets without broader context.
Neither Focalistic nor his collaborators have publicly addressed the criticism at the time of writing. The silence has only fueled further debate, with some fans urging the artists to clarify the song’s intent, while others believe no explanation is necessary.
The controversy highlights the increasingly complex relationship between South African artists and public accountability in the social media age. As musicians gain global visibility, their creative choices are scrutinized not only for artistic merit but also for social and ethical implications.
For Focalistic, who has built a reputation as one of the leading figures in the Amapiano movement, the debate represents a critical moment. Whether the backlash will impact the song’s official release or fade as another brief online storm remains to be seen.
What is clear is that audiences are becoming more vocal about the messages they believe artists convey—intentionally or otherwise. As Cat Matlala continues to circulate as a teaser, it has already achieved one thing: placing Focalistic and his collaborators at the center of a national conversation about music, influence, and responsibility.
Source- Fakaza
