Rising South African vocalist, Naledi Apihwe, has issued a public apology to Zimbabweans ahead of her performance in Harare at the highly anticipated Ama2k Festival. This was after a TikTok comment she made to a Zimbabwean fan resurfaced online.
In the interaction a fan said, “Naledi please come to Zimbabwe,” to which the singer replied, “Hambani niyongilinda khona” – Go and wait for me there. A comment that was received as disrespectful and insulting by a wide segment of her Zimbabwean fanbase.
In her apology the singer expressed regret at her words and stated that she never meant to be disrespectful.
“Social media never forgets, and recently I’ve been reminded of a comment I made months ago. I want to take this moment to address it sincerely. 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 my response may have hurt or offended some people. For that, I truly apologise,” read part Naledi’s statement.
Naledi will be headlining Ama2k Fest alongside Nigerian superstar Ruger and amapiano heavyweight Scotts Maphuma on the 4th of April at Belgravia Sports Club in Harare.
