Singer Ishmael Morabe is not backing down from fighting for his royalties and claims that 999 boss and Kwaito veteran, Arthur Mafokate, still owes him royalties' money for Roba Letheka, Akuna Mathata, and S'manje Manje, which were released in 2001, 2002, and 2003 respectively. At the time, the songs were radio anthems. 

In a legal document seen by ZiMoja, Ishmael alleges that Arthur paid him a total of R60 000 in royalties and never received a cent thereafter. The letter from his legal team Mapike Attorneys Inc. indicated that on 5 June 2023, their office sent correspondence to 999 requesting royalty statements for all revenue made in 2001. Arthur responded that song royalties for three songs were managed by EMI and the song Ke Waka released in 2016 was distributed by SONY Music but had not sold enough copies to guarantee royalties.

At the time, EMI, now Universal Music, was handling the distribution for the artist and said all funds were paid to Arthur. At the time, David Dison replied to the query made by Ishmael saying, all payments were made to Arthur. "We note that the projects were released worldwide under 999 Music and Sony Music," Dison said at the time. Sony also responded to Ishmael's legal team stating that, "The payment for all royalties was made to 999 Music and can't disclose any further information. The legal team stated: "If Arthur failed to send the statement for the paid royalties, Ishmael would lodge a complaint to the Information Regulator and make an application to the court. The team gave him until 28 June 2024, which a close source said, he has not complied. "Ishmael will be taking legal action. Arthur has not given statements and he has completely ignored the request. He got a mere R60 000 for the songs and that is utter exploitation." When called for comment, Ishmael said he did not want to speak on the matter. "The issue is with my legal team who are in communication with 999. They will not be happy with me commenting on the matter," he said. Arthur failed to respond to questions on the matter before publishing.