Lebo M Calls Robert Marawa “Deadbeat” Dad: Fallout from Screening

A VIP screening for producer and composer Lebo Morake’s Lebo M: Legacy in Motion took an unexpected turn Thursday night, as Morake publicly accused veteran sportscaster Robert Marawa of being a “deadbeat” dad. The accusation, made during a preview of Morake’s upcoming docu-reality series Last Woman Standing, immediately drew a sharp response from Marawa, igniting a public dispute that quickly spread across social media.

The screening, held at Nu Metro Hyde Park in Johannesburg, was attended by a number of prominent figures including radio personality Tbo Touch, ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba, actress Lillian Dube, radio presenter Penny Lebyane, author Bongani Luvalo, and members of the musical group Kwela Tebza. While intended as a celebration of Morake’s extensive career – encompassing work on projects like The Lion King soundtrack, Lebo M Live with Hans Zimmer, and the African Icons Tribute Concert – the event was quickly overshadowed by the personal accusation.

According to reports, the contentious moment arose during a clip from Last Woman Standing where Morake discussed his experiences with partners who had children from previous relationships. He stated he always treats his partner’s children as his own, but then specifically referenced Marawa’s financial contributions to his child with actress Zoe Mthiyane. Morake alleged that Marawa was aware he was providing financial support to the child while the two were living in Australia during a production of The Lion King, yet contributed nothing himself. He punctuated the claim with his personal mantra: “Wherever my sperm goes, my cheque follows.”

Marawa’s response, while not fully detailed in initial reports, is described as forceful, suggesting a robust defense is forthcoming. The incident highlights a growing trend of personal disputes among public figures playing out in the public eye, turning celebratory events into platforms for airing grievances.

Morake’s career has spanned decades, establishing him as a globally recognized producer and composer. His work on The Lion King alone cemented his place in popular culture, and his subsequent projects have continued to showcase his musical talent and production skills. Lebo M: Legacy in Motion appears to be an attempt to encapsulate this extensive body of work, offering a retrospective look at his journey as a music icon.

However, the inclusion of personal commentary within the screening, specifically the accusation leveled against Marawa, has undeniably shifted the focus away from Morake’s professional achievements. The timing of the accusation, coinciding with the promotion of Last Woman Standing, has led to speculation that the incident was, at least in part, a calculated move to generate publicity for the upcoming series.

Marawa, a well-known and respected sportscaster in South Africa, has built a career on his insightful commentary and engaging personality. He has faced personal challenges in the past, including recounting near-death experiences in 2023, but has generally maintained a relatively private personal life. Morake’s public accusation represents a significant breach of that privacy and a direct challenge to Marawa’s public image.

The fallout from the incident is likely to continue in the coming days, as Marawa is expected to provide a more detailed response to Morake’s claims. The situation raises questions about the boundaries of public discourse and the ethics of airing personal grievances in a public forum. It also underscores the challenges faced by public figures in navigating the complexities of personal relationships while maintaining a public profile.

The incident at the Lebo M: Legacy in Motion screening serves as a reminder that even events intended to celebrate artistic achievement can be derailed by personal drama. As the dispute between Morake and Marawa unfolds, it will be closely watched by both the entertainment industry and the public, raising questions about accountability, privacy, and the consequences of public accusations.

The screening itself featured a range of projects showcasing Morake’s career, including Lebo M Live with Hans Zimmer, the African Icons Tribute Concert, and Life, Love & Legacy. These projects demonstrate the breadth of Morake’s musical talent and his ability to collaborate with some of the biggest names in the industry. However, We see the accusation against Marawa that has dominated the headlines, overshadowing the artistic achievements on display.