Naledi Aphiwe Responds after Rural Zulu Girl Stylist Accuses her of Bullying

South African singer Naledi Aphiwe has spoken out after TikTok content creator and stylist Rural Zulu Girl Stylist accused her of bullying on social media.

The online drama began after the TikTok creator went viral for content that many users believe resembles the style of popular DJ Lamiez Holworthy. Social media users quickly noticed the similarities between the two.

From wearing similar outfits to having the same haircut and even tattoos, some followers felt the stylist’s appearance and overall aesthetic looked very close to that of the well-known DJ. Because of these similarities, many people on social media suggested that Rural Zulu Girl Stylist may have been inspired by Lamiez Holworthy.

Rural Zulu Girl Stylist took to Instagram, where she claimed that Naledi Aphiwe had joined others in criticising her. She wrote on her Instagram page: “So @naledi_aphiwe_has joined in on the bullying.Congratulations baby girl!”

However, Naledi Aphiwe did not stay silent. The singer responded through her Instagram Story, addressing the accusations directly.

She wrote: “Akho bullying la ube uzenzat omunye. (There’s no bulling here when you’re pretending to be someone else) StOp copying everything from her haw.”

Naledi later shared another Instagram Story where she further explained her thoughts on the situation.

“No one is bullying you, you’re the one bullying  her  lento oyenzayo (what you’re doing) it’s so annoying grow into your own person @ruralzulugirl_stylist Stop copying everything from other people just to fit in. You don’t need to move like her, talk like her, or live like her to be noticed. There’s only one you, and that’s your power.

“Take time to figure out what you like, what feels right for you, and what makes you different. Not everything that works for someone else is meant for you.

“Grow into your own person, build your own style, and create your own lane. Because at the end of the day, being original will always stand out more than being a copy.”