DJ Speedsta Addresses OkaySwisher’s Remarks Of Not Getting Paid As “Up To Speed” Podcast Secures Sponsorship
DJ Speedsta Addresses OkaySwisher’s Remarks Of Not Getting Paid As “Up To Speed” Podcast Secures Sponsorship. South African media personality DJ Speedsta has broken his silence following remarks by OkaySwisher, who recently suggested he was not compensated for his appearances on the Up To Speed Podcast.
DJ Speedsta did not dispute the core of Swisher’s statement but took issue with how it was presented publicly. According to the DJ, the lack of payment was never hidden from contributors and applied across the board.
“So, I was very disappointed in the way he said it. He didn’t lie to any of them. No, he wasn’t getting paid. None of us is getting paid. You’re not getting paid. Even the people who are there are not getting paid.”
He emphasised that the podcast was never positioned as a paid platform in its early stages, explaining that the team collectively understood they were building something long-term. “Podcasts get sponsors after a long time; you have to build, so you either have to want to build or leave it. This is not a money thing.”
The controversy comes at a time when the podcast has begun securing commercial backing, including a recent partnership with Play Energy Drink. Speedsta noted the timing, pointing out that financial opportunities are only now beginning to materialise after a period of consistent effort. “Funny enough, we’re even saying that because now we’ve got money now. We just got our ones.”
Reflecting on his initial conversations with Swisher, Speedsta revealed that payment had been a topic from the outset. He explained that he encouraged a “build first” approach, proposing that financial discussions could take place once the podcast had established itself.
Even then, he admitted he was not in a position to offer compensation at the time, though he made smaller efforts to support contributors, including covering transport costs during earlier episodes. “When I hit him up, I had this idea, and he asked for money from the jump… I said, let’s build, but let’s speak on the 10th episode.”
Speedsta expressed disappointment that the issue had gained traction on social media, suggesting that online reactions had shaped a misleading narrative around the situation. He emphasised that platforms like his podcast allow him to address such matters directly rather than leaving room for speculation. “I’m actually very grateful for the podcast so that I can just speak about certain situations… I can just talk, speak my truth.”
