In the kind of spat that could only erupt through social media, hip-hop star JR has created a storm in a teacup when he called Idols winner Khaya Mthethwa’s new song boring. Responding to the lyrics, which were posted on popular radio DJ Anele Mdoda’s Twitter feed, JR said: “Mara ya boranyana neh?” (But it is a little boring)

This sparked a flood of comments from fans and detractors alike, some defending JR’s right to his opinion and others saying the rapper was being unfair.

“When a black person makes it to the top, we are quick to criticise . Khaya u rock,” tweeted DJ LadyZee, later quoted by The Sowetan.

Yet as mentioned, the furore appears to be about the lyrics and nobody has heard the actual song in question yet. Still, fans of the Durban gospel singer – who won the eighth season of the popular talent show – have a right to be sensitive. Late last week it was revealed that the SABC had instructed some of its radio stations to not interview Mthethwa, the country’s first black Idols winner. It cited a conflict of interest – Idols is broadcast on a rival station – but the action generally just left a bad taste in the mouths of local music fans.

By James Francis