- South African musician Naledi Aphiwe has issued an apology following the resurfacing of a xenophobic remark she made years ago.
- The remark, perceived as xenophobic by Zimbabweans, caused widespread backlash on social media.
- The controversy intensified ahead of her scheduled performance at the Ama2k festival in Zimbabwe in April.
- Her inclusion in the festival lineup was met with resistance from revellers who remembered her past comment.
Naledi Aphiwe’s past comment, ‘Hambani niyongilinda khona’ (Go and wait for me there), was made in response to a question about performing in Zimbabwe. While she likely intended it playfully, many Zimbabweans interpreted it as dismissive and carrying xenophobic undertones, suggesting Zimbabweans in South Africa should return home.
Screenshots of the original exchange recirculated across social media platforms following the announcement of her Harare performance. This online resurgence led to numerous calls for her to apologize before she performs in the country.
In her recent social media post, Naledi Aphiwe stated her words were never meant to disrespect Zimbabweans or come from a place of hate, acknowledging that ‘social media never forgets.’
Timeline
- Social media users continue to share screenshots of Naledi Aphiwe’s original remark, demanding accountability on February 25, 2026.
- Discussions persist regarding the implications of xenophobia in regional entertainment circles as of February 25, 2026.
Key Players
- Naledi Aphiwe: South African musician who issued the apology.
- Zimbabwean Social Media Users: Initiated and sustained the backlash against Aphiwe’s past comment.
- Ama2k Festival Organizers: Faced resistance over Aphiwe’s inclusion in the April lineup.
