Award-winning rapper AKA is caught up in a spat between his former manager and his business partner.

Raphael Benza, his former manager, has lodged a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) against Prince Nyembe, who co-owns Beam Group with the artist.

Benza, who owns Vth Season that previously managed the hip-hop star, has complained about apparent hateful, injurious and xenophobic comments made by Nyembe in an e-mail that was sent to AKA and himself.

He explained that Nyembe made the comments on several occasions in recent communication regarding monies apparently owed by AKA, whose real name is Keenan Forbes, to Vth Season.

According to a statement, one of the e-mails that were sent by Nyembe on October 24 read: "And your clever? your just a criminal that's all. Left your s**t country to come take advantage of our talented people!! go home!! you don't belong here."

Benza is a Liberian national who has been in South Africa for years and holds a self
employment permit.

"Forbes was copied on both these e-mails. He never distanced himself from the hateful, injurious and xenophobic comments made by Nyembe," said Benza in the statement.

Benza's lawyer David Feinberg said the submission to the SAHRC was made on Monday. "We called the HRC claim office and they confirmed that they received the claim."

Feinberg added that his client launched the complaint because he regarded Nyembe's alleged xenophobic remarks as serious.

Attempts to solicit comment from the HRC drew a blank.

Nyembe said: "I am in Cape Town, flying back to Johannesburg later today.

"As soon as I have information and met with my legal team I will respond."

Attempts to get a comment from AKA were unsuccessful.