South African Inkabi Nation singer Lwah Ndlunkulu has bravely addressed the painful impact of negative remarks about her appearance, particularly those centered around her weight. In a heartfelt Facebook post, the singer expressed her disappointment over the harsh judgments people have made, including assumptions about her health.
Lwah wrote:
“Ingiphatha kabi ke kodwa le yokuthi ningi belesele ngokuthi ngizacile ngiqedwa insango Ku wrong loko bakwethuAnoku hlonipha uku shintsha komuntu because sikhula ngeyi ndlela eyinga fani kanti futhi ne zimo esibhekana nazo anizazi but nginga qiniseka ukuthi angizidli izidakamizwa. Lokhu enikubhala kuma comments uma kuni jabulisa ninga qhubeka ngiyabonga new music loading.”
[“I am saddened by assumptions that I am losing weight because of marijuana. It’s uncalled for. Learn to respect changes in a person because we grow up in different ways and face different circumstances that you might not be aware of. But I can assure you that I don’t use drugs. If writing such comments brings you joy, you can continue, and thank you.”]
The award-winning artist also expressed frustration over the relentless criticism she faces. She continued:
“Even if umuntu ezama ukuba perfect for nina guys anijabuli senaphilela ukugxeka umuntu aze azizonde.”
[ “Even if a person tries to be perfect for you, you are still not happy. You live to criticise a person to the extent they end up hating themselves.”]
Lwah then shared her feelings about how the constant judgment has affected her personal confidence:
“Ngiyawu nyanya umzimba wami ngize ngigqoke izinto ezinkulu ukuze ningangi beki amabala kodwa still nithi ngigqoka osikhula naye.”
[ “I hate my body so much that I wear big clothes so that you don’t spot me, but you still say that I wear what you grow up with.”]
Finally, she expressed her frustration with the criticism and the unrealistic expectations people place on her:
“Mhlampe it would be better if ningasho ukuthi Lwah nansi indlela esifisa ube yiyo futhi uziphathe ngayo but cha nje ngiyathukwa everyday nge weight nokuma kwami ??? Ngiyazazi ukuthi ngine sishwapha futhi ngizacile manje ngenze kanjani?”
[ “Maybe it would be better if you could say that this is the way we want you to be and behave, but no, I am insulted every day about my weight and shape??? I know I’m skinny and thin now, what should I do?”]
