Legendary singer Simphiwe Dana has taken to social media to call out popular actress Nomzamo Mbatha, accusing her of copying her hairstyle without giving her any credit.
Simphiwe, known for her soulful music and bold Afrocentric hairstyles, says she feels disrespected and hurt that Nomzamo, who stars in the hit Mzansi Magic drama Shaka iLembe, is showing off looks she believes were inspired by her, without any acknowledgment.
Simphiwe Dana calls out Nomzamo Mbatha over hairstyle dispute
South African singer Simphiwe Dana has publicly accused actress Nomzamo Mbatha of copying her signature hairstyle without credit.
Dana, known for her Afrocentric aesthetic, claimed the hairstyle, featured in… pic.twitter.com/B8tU2sMVGH
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) July 28, 2025Taking to Instagram, Simphiwe posted a photo of Nomzamo with one of the traditional hairstyles and wrote, “Honey, there’s a difference between appreciation and appropriation. You’re not the only one. I’m fed up. It’s deeply disconcerting and cringe.”
Simphiwe didn’t stop there. She went on to say that the Shaka iLembe team, who work closely with Nomzamo on the show’s styling and presentation, should have at least given her credit for the inspiration.
“Together with the Shaka iLembe crew. I’m so disappointed. Because I love you,” she added in a post that she later deleted.
On X (formerly Twitter), Simphiwe explained that she doesn’t have a problem with people appreciating her work. But when her creative ideas are used without permission or acknowledgment, she feels taken advantage of.
“I don’t know if it’s a lack of creative thinking or what. I don’t mind being appreciated. But stealing my brand ideas and not acknowledging me is foul, appropriative and exploitative. Stop.”
Nomzamo Mbatha has not yet responded to Simphiwe’s comments.
In June, Nomzamo made headlines when she became the first South African ambassador for popular ethnic haircare brand Creme of Nature. The brand celebrated her role as a champion of natural African beauty.
Zandi Zinganto, Brand Manager for Creme of Nature South Africa, said: “Nomzamo embodies the essence of our ‘Rooted in Radiance’ message. She is powerful, graceful, and celebrates African authenticity in all expressions of her brand image.”
She added that the partnership is more than just a beauty campaign, it’s a tribute to African beauty, culture, and textured hair.
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