Amid renewed public interest in their once-turbulent romance, amapiano hitmaker DJ Maphorisa and actress Thuli Phongolo are reportedly giving love another chance, quietly rebuilding their relationship after a highly publicised and painful split in 2023.
The pair, whose break-up followed serious allegations of assault that later resulted in criminal charges being withdrawn, are said to have been working on mending their bond away from the glare of the media and public scrutiny. Those close to the couple say the process has been deliberate and private, with both choosing to keep matters out of the spotlight as they find their footing again.
That secrecy appeared to slip this week when the two were spotted together at a Johannesburg location where Phongolo was shooting a new music video. According to people who spoke to Sunday World, the former Generations: The Legacy actress and the award-winning producer shared a visibly intimate moment, sparking speculation that the romance was back on track.
It is understood that the reunion was sparked by a simple request. Phongolo reportedly contacted Maphorisa, whose real name is Themba Sekowe, to ask for his assistance with a prop for her shoot – his favourite red BMW 325, popularly known as a Gusheshe.
“Thuli was about to shoot her music video, however, she pointed out that it would be great to have Maphorisa’s BMW as part of the shoot. She immediately phoned Maphorisa to come over with his ride, as she wanted to have the car featured in the video badly,” said a source close to the couple.
Another insider said the response was immediate. Maphorisa is said to have dropped everything he was doing and rushed to the set to support Phongolo. On arrival, he reportedly stepped out of the car and greeted her warmly, drawing the attention of those present.
What followed, according to insiders, showed a softer and more patient side of the controversial music star.
“Phori waited patiently outside the venue of the shoot and chilled while Phongolo and her team were busy filming. It was so cool to see that side of Maphorisa after what had happened between him and Thuli.
“Thuli kept on telling us that she was glad that Phori came and that they were secretly back together.
“It is a great thing when people embrace love and iron out their issues.
“After the shoot, Thuli went to Maphorisa and hugged him while pecking his lips,” said the insider.
For many, the sight of the two together again is striking, given the seriousness of the allegations that emerged during their fallout last year. In May 2023, Maphorisa was arrested after Phongolo opened a criminal case, accusing the Ba Straata hitmaker of assaulting her at a Sandton apartment.
At the time, Phongolo claimed that Maphorisa had slapped her and strangled her during an argument. She alleged that she sustained bruises on her arms and neck, as well as on one of her cheeks. The case attracted widespread attention, particularly because of the couple’s celebrity status.
Maphorisa was arrested and later appeared in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court, where he was released on R4 000 bail. Months later, Phongolo withdrew the charges, and the matter did not proceed further.
Following the withdrawal, the pair released a joint statement indicating that they had resolved their differences amicably. According to those close to them, that decision marked the beginning of a long and careful process of reconciliation.
“As it stands, both Phori and Thuli are happy again, and they have decided to keep their affection secret as they don’t want people to know that they are back together because they believe that they still love each other and that their unfortunate incident had caused drama for them,” said a source.
“Now their intentional effort to bring back excitement and connection is burning, and you could see it by Phori’s actions when he brought his Gusheshe for the shoot of Thulli’s music video.
“We hope that this time around they will last and be happy forever,” the source added.
Despite the growing speculation, neither Maphorisa nor Phongolo has officially confirmed that they are back together. When contacted for comment, Phongolo told Sunday World that she was at a salon and would only be able to comment at a later stage. Questions sent to Maphorisa had not been answered at the time of going to print.
For now, the couple’s reported reunion remains largely based on accounts from those who witnessed their interaction. Whether this renewed chapter will endure remains to be seen, but for fans and followers, the images and stories emerging from the music video shoot suggest that, at least for now, Maphorisa and Phongolo are once again finding comfort in each other’s company.
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