As Ifani makes his gradual return to the music industry after a substantial hiatus and recently securing a distribution deal, his controversial remarks have once again thrust him into the spotlight of online scrutiny. This time, the Ewe hitmaker found himself in the midst of a social media storm due to his outspoken opinions on the albums of fellow South African artists, Cassper Nyovest and Nasty C, specifically, “Solomon” and “I Love It Here,” respectively. In a bold declaration, Ifani asserted his preference for Nasty C’s “I Love It Here” over Cassper Nyovest’s “Solomon,” a sentiment that triggered a fierce backlash from fans, colloquially known as Tsibipians.
The timing of Ifani’s comments was indeed noteworthy, as both albums were released on the same day, intensifying the comparative discourse. Social media platforms served as the battleground for this heated debate, with Tsibipians fiercely critiquing Ifani’s musical taste. The rapper’s preference for Nasty C’s work over Cassper’s prompted a flurry of tweets. With Tsibipians lambasting Ifani for what they perceived as disloyalty and hate towards Cassper Nyovest. However, Ifani was quick to clarify his stance. Emphasizing that his personal preference should not be mistaken for hate or disrespect towards another artist. He stressed that it was merely an expression of his authentic opinion and taste in music.
In a tweet, Ifani sought to quell the growing online strife by stating. “When I say I don’t like something, it’s not hate, it’s my truth. When I say I like something, I do! END OF STORY. Enjoy your Solomon in peace guys, no need to fight us.” Despite his efforts to convey his viewpoint as a matter of personal taste rather than a criticism. Tsibipians remained relentless in their defense of Cassper Nyovest.
What added an intriguing layer to this online discourse was Ifani’s previous statements about his desire to mend his relationship with Cassper. Highlighting the complex dynamics within the South African hip-hop scene. However, his recent preference for Nasty C’s album seemed to strain those intentions. Leading Tsibipians to question his sincerity and brand him as a “hater.” Social media was abuzz with responses, both supportive and critical, of Ifani’s stance.
Users on Twitter were quick to voice their opinions on the matter. Some were dismissive of Ifani’s musical abilities. With comments like “Upcoming Rapper” and “It’s not like you can make better music though.” Others encouraged him to release new music, saying, “Drop’a yao album re bone.” There were also those who expressed their unwavering loyalty to Cassper Nyovest, asserting, “Okay sharpo , thina we love Solomon.” Some users even delved into Ifani’s past work, asserting, “Your opinion don’t matter much because you have never delivered anything sensible beside ‘Ingoma Ezimnadi.'”
One user pointed out the perceived irony of Ifani’s criticism. Stating, “Lol one of the reason why yall dont progress. Too busy ‘not liking’ someone’s work and yet yourself cant even put your work out… focus on yourself bro, your like n dislike aren’t gonna do you any better.”
In conclusion, Ifani’s outspoken preference for Nasty C’s “I Love It Here” over Cassper Nyovest’s “Solomon” ignited a social media firestorm, with Tsibipians vehemently defending their favorite artist. The incident underscored the intricacies of personal taste within the South African hip-hop community. Left Ifani navigating the delicate balance between expressing his opinions and preserving his relationships within the industry.
