Focalistic faces backlash over song praising alleged criminal mastermind, Cat Matlala
Focalistic's 'Cat Matlala': A controversial anthem celebrating an alleged criminal?
Image: Instagram
Award-winning musician Lethabo Sebetso, better known as Focalistic and widely recognised for his chart-topping contributions to the Amapiano movement, has ignited debate after teasing a new song titled Cat Matlala.
The teaser references Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, a controversial businessman who has recently featured in parliamentary scrutiny and has appeared before Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Police amid allegations linking him to serious criminal activities, including claims of fraud and corruption.
Matlala has publicly denied wrongdoing and has not been convicted, but his name has remained in the spotlight as investigations and committee processes continue.
In the song, Focalistic likens himself to the alleged criminal and 'sings his praises'. For multidisciplinary artist Nkhensani Mkhari, this comes as no surprise due to what he has observed on social media.
"When he appears before the Committee, the conversation fractures along unexpected lines. Women on X post about finding him attractive," Mkhari wrote. "Men, including those in positions of power, express a kind of admiration that has nothing to do with his alleged criminality and everything to do with his presentation."
He went on to claim that the disconnect between public knowledge and allegations on the one hand, and the image presented on the other, a polished individual who does not fit the stereotypical mould of a 'criminal kingpin' exposes a deeper truth about how people form perceptions and make sense of reality.
"Men, across social positions, including those in power, express admiration. Not for alleged criminality, but for something harder to name. The presentation. The composure. The way he seems to move through spaces that should be hostile to him with perfect fluency.
"Men admire Matlala because he's demonstrating mastery of a game they recognise," Mkhari said. "He's showing that the emperor’s new clothes were always just clothes, and clothes can always be changed."
South African netizens also expressed distaste over the song. "Using Cat Matlala for any sort of entertainment is so distasteful. The man is a murderer! Justice for Babita Deokaran," wrote an X user.
"South Africa has an unhealthy relationship with criminality," shared @Manelisi_Biya
"Glorifying criminals is a flex in Mzansi," added @TheHypeChannel_
"Why would you guys do this? Like what message are you sending to the youth? You never speak on the things affecting your fans Mara le tlo dira a song about CAT? La bora shem," said @Yuuumm11
"And this is exactly what we are talking about: how do you build a country with people who glamorise crime and idolise criminals? This is so damn irritating. One needs to ask: do you all want to live in a country with less crime, or do you love crime," stated @_babybearr
"He deserves to be canceled for this video alone. We must not tolerate even the slightest hint of glorifying criminals, zero tolerance, no exceptions, any trace, any suggestion, any subtle implication, or any remotely positive portrayal, no matter how small is unacceptable," said @TshepoMoeng10
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