Minister Gayton McKenzie explained to the public why he had to miss Mr Mapaputsi's funeral.
The veteran musician, real name Andile Ngwenya, reportedly passed away over a week ago after battling illness.
Tributes have been pouring in from industry legends, fans and fellow musicians.
However, music legends were unhappy with the Minister for Arts, Sport and Culture for not attending the funeral.
“We all know that the attention has shifted from kwaito singers to genres like pop, amapiano and Afrobeat. Some of the artistes haven't been on stage performing for 20 years and most are relying on the amaR350 (social relief grant). They are struggling.”
“The deputy minister who was here said the kwaito singer would be honoured but we know he was just sugar-coating it,” one source said.
Responding to the backlash, Mr Gayton said he was unable to attend due to his ministerial duties.
“I am being criticized by people who, after shedding tears, froze up for not attending Mapaptsy's memorial service and funeral. I was carrying out my duties as a minister in Russia.”
“They went there to shed a tear. You can't have a drunk person say they didn't come,” he said.