18-year-old singer Naledi Aphiwe faced a hostile crowd at the Mthandeni’s Summer Experience in eMdletsheni, KwaZulu-Natal, when she was booed off stage and pelted with bottles and cans. The incident occurred during a performance at an event where Sama-winning artist Khuzani “Gatsheni” Ndlovu was also performing.
In viral videos circulating on social media, Naledi’s DJ is seen struggling to play her backtrack during Ndlovu’s set. Naledi then unexpectedly jumped onto the stage to perform her hit song Ubaba Ulala Nami, even though Gatsheni and his dancers were still performing. The crowd immediately expressed their disapproval, and tensions escalated quickly. Ndlovu and his dancers left the stage, sensing the situation was about to get out of hand.
Despite the hostile reception, Aphiwe continued performing, but was eventually escorted offstage by event staff for her safety.
Social media users had mixed reactions. One wrote, “You can see Naledi walks on stage while Gatsheni is still performing. Let’s not victimise kids even when they’re wrong. Walking on stage while another artist is performing is disrespect. Let’s teach her respect.”
Another user expressed sympathy for Naledi, saying, “Poor child. What a brave lady, the bottles could have hurt badly. Glad they all missed. Thankful to the guy who whisked her away as she was continuing to perform, seemingly unaware of the flying bottles. Alcohol should be banned at such events.”
One user even blamed jealousy for the incident: “Blacks are bitter and jealous… it’s so sad. When they see one of their own winning, they sabotage it. Hope this year y’all change your behaviour.”
Entertainment commentator Phil Mphela offered a professional critique of the situation. “It’s always people around you who will set you up for failure when you are in the public eye,” he said. “Having listened to multiple accounts of the incident, it’s clear that Aphiwe’s team disrespected the other artist who was on stage. Fans saw that and retaliated by throwing objects, which was wrong.”
Mphela pointed out that the situation could have been avoided if the event organizers had better managed the timing of the performances. “Her DJ starting a song while another artist is on stage was unprofessional,” he explained. “If they felt Aphiwe had to be on stage, the event organizers should have managed the transition more smoothly.”
He also noted that fame on social media doesn’t necessarily translate to popularity with all audiences. “Just because Aphiwe is known on social media doesn’t mean she’s as big to everyone. Know your crowd!”
Mphela stressed the importance of respect in the industry, saying, “Good companies and managers protect their artists. You’d rather take the blame than expose your artist to physical danger or damage to their reputation.”
Naledi Aphiwe was removed from the stage by fans while performing. pic.twitter.com/gbhNfDCc0p
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) January 5, 2025It is always people around you who will set you up for failure when you are in the public eye.
Having listened and read multiple accounts about the incident, it is clear that Aphiwe’s people disrespected the other artist who was on stage.
Fans saw that and retaliated by… pic.twitter.com/GWspPqTIZF
— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) January 5, 2025
