WILL South African artist Naledi Aphiwe get a warm welcome, usually reserved for stars, or will she face a hostile backlash when she performs in Harare in April? It’s hard to tell but there is no question that emotions are running high. Even for a country known around the world for its amazing hospitality like Zimbabwe, there are some negative comments that cross the line.
Last year, Naledi clashed with Zimbabwean music fans who felt that she had disrespected their country with a comment on TikTok which they believed crossed the line. Now, she has been booked as the headline act for the Ama2kFest which is set for Harare on April 4. When a Zimbabwean Tiklok user, Constance Muzenda, commented on one of her posts, asking her to come and play in this country, the artist’s response triggered widespread controversy.
“Hambani hiyongilinda khona,” which loosely translates to “Go wait for me there.” Some interpreted the comment as a casual remark but others felt it carried an offensive tone. Naledi has apologised, saying her words were never meant to disrespect Zimbabweans and expressing regret for any offence caused. “I want to address it properly instead of ignoring it.
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“First, I want to make it clear that my words were never meant to disrespect Zimbabweans or come from a place of hate. “I understand that intentions don’t always translate well online, and I can see how what I said may have hurt or offended people. “My two cents on the Naledi story: I feel her management didn’t do their job.
When your artist makes viral comments about a country she’s booked in, it’s no small thing,” said Magic Wacho, a local content creator. “I remember a fan asking when she’d come to Zimbabwe, and her response wasn’t right.
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