Khephar Opens Up About Leaving Khelobedu Content: A Farewell Fueled by Betrayal, Jealousy, and Financial Limitations
In a recent heartfelt podcast appearance, digital
creator and entertainer Khephar opened up about a major turning point in his
creative journey and his decision to stop creating Khelobedu-related content.
Once known for his passionate advocacy for Bolobedu culture and language
through comedy and storytelling, Khephar now says the very community he tried
to uplift became the source of his deepest pain, betrayal, and disappointment.
Language Barriers and Financial Struggles
At the heart of Khephar’s decision is a harsh
reality faced by many vernacular content creators in South Africa, limited
financial return. He spoke candidly about the geographical and linguistic
barriers that have made it nearly impossible for him to earn a sustainable
income from his work. There as no advertisers who are willing to spend money
for digital monetisation since it will only reach a small group people.
He claimed that no matter how viral the content
gets within the Khelobedu-speaking community, it's not translating into money.
Brands don't understand the language, and the reach is too small to attract
significant ad revenue or endorsements.
Betrayal by His Own Team
But it wasn’t just the money. Khephar shared that
one of the most painful aspects of his journey was being betrayed by the very
people he built with.
People He once called his crew, people he shot
content with, edited videos for, even gave ideas to, they started distancing
themselves. He believes there was an external voice which convinced them that
he is getting rich off the content and they accused him of using them.
According to him, these individuals later demanded
he stop using content they created together, essentially erasing years of
collaboration and shared effort. The breakdown of those relationships has left
a scar deeper than most fans could imagine.
A Comedian, A Lawyer, and an Unspoken Name
Perhaps the most shocking part of the podcast was
Khephar’s account of his toxic professional relationship with a well-known
Khelobedu stand-up comedian. While he did not name the individual — citing fear
of legal repercussions due to the comedian’s profession as a lawyer — he didn’t
hold back on the emotional toll.
“We did several performances together. I didn’t get
paid even once. On top of that, I found out he was talking bad about me to
event organizers so he could take all the money. I was used,” Khephar
said, his voice heavy with frustration.
Looking at the people he worked with previously,
revealing that the comedian is a legal practitioner and that he is the stand-up
comedian who went to Savannah comedy. It is clear that he is talking about the
only and only, Mr Chase.
Mr Chase is a hosts, musician and stand-up comedian.
He usually hosts events in the Limpopo/Bolobedu region. For example, Limpopo
Ke Gae Comedy Muster was an event on 29 December 2023 at Shidila Lodge, and
it was hosted by Mr Chase, featuring Khephar among other local
comedians. According to Computicket Bookings, he is able to host and organise
events, and attract known entertainers (like Khephar, Moruti Majomane,
Mashabela Galane, etc.), it suggests Mr Chase has at least a moderate
reputation / network in the local comedy and entertainment circuits.
Reinvention: Can Khephar Go International?
With all this behind him, the big question now is: Can
Khephar make it beyond Bolobedu, and even beyond South Africa?
The answer might very well be yes — if creativity,
adaptability, and resilience is what he posses.
Khephar has demonstrated a keen eye for
storytelling, a deep understanding of digital trends, and an innate ability to
connect with audiences. His decision to shift focus toward more universal, possibly
bilingual or English-first content could open doors to broader audiences, brand
partnerships, and global visibility.
Moreover, his transparency and vulnerability in
sharing his experiences might resonate with other creators who’ve faced similar
battles in niche language markets.
“My obsession now is making money. If I’m going to
put my time into something, it has to make business sense,” he
stated firmly.
While some may interpret this as a loss of cultural
loyalty, others might see it as a bold and necessary step, one that allows
Khephar to heal, grow, and finally be rewarded for his talent.
Khephar’s story is a cautionary tale and a beacon
of hope at the same time. It sheds light on the unseen struggles behind
vernacular content creation, from exploitation by peers to being underpaid, or
not paid at all, despite clear talent and hard work.
As he steps into a new chapter, one thing is clear:
Khephar is not giving up and he’s evolving. And if he applies the same passion
and creativity he once poured into Khelobedu content to a wider stage, there’s
every reason to believe he can and will succeed internationally.
He just has to bet on himself and this time, it
seems he finally is.
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