Award-winning musician Ndivhudzannyi “Makhadzi” Ralivhona has issued an apology after facing criticism for unintentionally offending the deaf community in her recent music video for Jealous Down. According to TshisaLIVE, the South African sign language digital learning platform called for the apology, expressing concern over what they described as disrespectful gestures towards the deaf community in the video.
The controversy began when a short clip from the music video was shared on TikTok by Andile Ngidi, who appears in the video. In the clip, Makhadzi attempts to use sign language in a playful manner while translating Ngidi’s words. However, it was pointed out that the signs used were inaccurate and failed to follow the proper grammar of sign language.
Sign language mentor Dieumercy Asan explained the issue, saying, “By doing the sign gestures, Makhadzi did not only mock our language or disrespect our culture, but she taught her million fans that ‘this is normal,’ which is unacceptable in deaf culture. Making a mockery of a language so rich in history and culture is making a mockery of its people and the struggles they have endured.”
With September being Deaf Awareness Month, Asan emphasised that Makhadzi could have used her influence to promote understanding of sign language and the deaf community. “If she wanted to include sign language in her video, she would have hired an interpreter… When doing any work related to deaf people or sign languages, it would be advisable to have a deaf person or an accredited hearing interpreter present,” Asan added.
In response, Makhadzi expressed deep regret for the hurt caused and promised to make amends. She revealed that she will issue a public apology next week and has asked for the clip to be removed from TikTok. “I had no intention to hurt anyone from the deaf community. As someone who has been bullied, I understand how painful it is, and I take full accountability. I will release a statement next week.”
