Born into Fame: Owami and AJ face tough love from Arthur

Owami and her older brother, AJ, paid their father Arthur Mafokate a visit, and were in for a surprise. The musician and record label owner has been a household name in the South African entertainment industry for years and both his children want to follow in his footsteps. However, it doesn’t look like he’s keen on the idea.  

He mentioned this while having a chat with Owami on the latest episode of Born into Fame. Owami first painted a picture of their relationship. “My relationship with my dad is a typical father-daughter. When it’s good it’s good, when we’re fighting we’re fighting. But it’s never crazy.”  

Music dreams questioned  

She then went on to tell her father why she had paid him a visit. She revealed that she needs help with her EP. This didn’t sit well with Arthur. “Your music thing? I told you guys that I don’t want you to be doing music. It’s cool when you’re deejaying, but recording is not easy,” he told her.  

Owami shared that her dad believes in tough love and getting them straight so that they don’t get embarrassed outside. AJ then walked in and joined his father and sister. Like Owami, he painted a picture of his relationship with his father. “My relationship with my dad, it’s there. It’s an interesting relationship, it’s a hectic relationship.” AJ was also there to talk about his career, and he asked Owami if she had sent the music to Arthur.  

Arthur doubts AJ’s single, predicts failure 

While Arthur's listened to some of their songs, there are some that he’s not feeling. He gave feedback on one of the tracks, saying it wouldn’t be a hit. “If that’s your first single then your album is going to flop.” However, AJ doesn’t agree. “I feel like Moja is a hit. I feel like Moja is a great song, but he has his idea of what I should be doing, and I feel like that’s where generally my father and I have certain differences,” AJ said.  

AJ feels that there tends to be friction when the person he wants to be isn’t aligned with what his father wants for him. “I move away and get into a shell, and I become a certain person… I feel as though my father’s approval is very important. But then again I am who I am so there’s a big conflict,” he explained.  

My fame isn’t yours  

Arthur told AJ and Owami that they’re “born into this fame” and that they look at themselves as “famous”. “You’re nothing. You understand? You’re nothing. Let’s face it. The fact that I come from a very poor family – you know I always relate my stories – I was nothing. I wanted to be somebody. The difference might be you think my fame is your fame.”  

Owami didn’t take offence to what her father said. “I grew up with the criticism from my dad, so it doesn’t really faze me.”  

At the end, Arthur said he’d only be involved in their music if he’s not stepping in as their father. “I’ll treat you like any other person. But if you don’t want me involved, I can give you ideas on how to make it. You are not inspiring me, you are cowards. I don’t like working with cowards.” Arthur added that he wants to work with “hungry” people.  

Watch new episodes of Born into Fame every Tuesday on Showmax.