What Happened
Singer Naledi Aphiwe has issued a public apology following backlash over comments she made last year in response to a Zimbabwean fan. The comments resurfaced this week after Aphiwe was announced as one of the headliners for Ama2k Fest, a concert scheduled to take place in Harare, Zimbabwe, in April. Some Zimbabwean social media users have called for her removal from the lineup, citing a TikTok comment she made last year.
At that time, a fan asked Aphiwe to perform in Zimbabwe, to which she responded in isiZulu, saying: “Hambani niyongilinda khona,” which loosely translates to, “go and wait for me there.”
Why It Matters
The resurfacing of Aphiwe’s comments has sparked significant backlash online, with some Zimbabwean fans feeling insulted. As anticipation builds for her performance, the situation has escalated, leading to threats against her ahead of the show. Aphiwe’s response aims to clarify her intentions and mitigate the growing tension.
What’s Next
In a Facebook post, Aphiwe expressed that her words were never meant to be disrespectful and acknowledged that they may have been offensive. She stated, “I understand that intentions don’t always translate well online, and I can see how what I said may have hurt or offended people. For that, I sincerely apologise.” Aphiwe hopes for resolution through understanding as she prepares for her upcoming performance in Zimbabwe.
