South African DJ and entrepreneur Lady Du has shown public support for Amapiano artist Thatohatsi Raphadi following hurtful body-shaming comments made about her on the Piano Pulse podcast.
Thatohatsi, who is fast becoming a rising star in the Amapiano scene, left many fans heartbroken after she shared an emotional response online. The artist began trending after a clip from the podcast spread across social media, sparking anger and backlash from viewers.
During the podcast discussion, music executive Nota Baloyi made a blunt comment about the artist’s appearance, saying: “Thatohatsi’s body does not look amazing.” His statement led to further remarks, with one of the hosts, Sifiso, adding that even if Thatohatsi could eat junk food every day, she would not gain weight because her body is naturally slim.
The comments did not sit well with fans, many of whom felt they were unnecessary and cruel. It also became clear that the remarks deeply affected the artist. Thatohatsi later took to her TikTok page, where she shared a visibly distressing video. In the clip, she appeared sad and overwhelmed while the audio from the Piano Pulse hosts played in the background.
The video included a message that read: “If they knew how long it took for I to love me and live looking like this.” Her post sparked an outpouring of love and concern from fans, fellow artists and public figures, who encouraged her and praised her courage for speaking out.
Among those who showed support was Lady Du, who used her Instagram page to stand up for the young artist. In a heartfelt message, Lady Du wrote: “You are a true representation of African beauty, your confidence will give every young skinny girl a chance to feel beautiful in their body.”
She went on to speak about how society has pushed unrealistic beauty standards. “We have been sold a picture of the perfect body that people now feel uncomfortable in the bodies God gave them,” she said, adding that everyone has the right to do what they want with their body to boost their confidence.
Lady Du also shared her personal experience, saying she grew up as a skinny girl and learned to embrace her body. “I loved my body, even when I didn’t have confidence but I embraced it,” she wrote.
She ended her message by praising Thatohatsi’s talent and strength, reminding her that she is loved and supported.
