Naledi Aphiwe narrowly avoided serious harm during a chaotic scene at the Mthandeni Maskandi Summer Experience in Nhlwathi village, KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday morning. The 22-year-old singer from Inanda, Durban, was forced off the stage after fans threw bottles at her, accusing her of supporting rival artist Khuzani Mpungose.
The trouble erupted when event organizers replaced Maskandi performer Gatsheni Ndlovu with Naledi during the festival. Fans, still energized by Gatsheni’s set, reacted aggressively, pelting Naledi with empty Savanna bottles. The hostility escalated further, forcing even Gatsheni’s backup singers to flee the stage.
As tensions grew, a cameraman stepped in to protect Naledi, shielding her from the barrage and helping her escape unharmed.
Eyewitnesses noted that many of the furious fans were women, accusing Naledi of openly supporting Mthandeni Manqele’s rival, Khuzani Mpungose. The claims stem from Naledi’s public endorsement of Khuzani’s music just weeks before the festival.
Despite the chaos, Naledi remains an influential figure in the Maskandi genre. Her rise to fame gained momentum last year when global superstar Chris Brown discovered her on Instagram and featured her vocals on his track Shooter. Chris Brown also paid Naledi R56,000 for her contribution and met with her during his Johannesburg tour, solidifying her growing reputation.
The incident highlights the intense rivalries and deep loyalties within the Maskandi music scene. Fans have called for calm and respect for artists, while event organizers are under scrutiny for failing to ensure Naledi’s safety.
In the wake of this ordeal, Naledi has not publicly addressed the incident, but her supporters have rallied around her, praising her resilience and talent. As investigations into the festival’s security measures continue, Naledi’s near escape serves as a stark reminder of the passions—and dangers—surrounding South Africa’s vibrant music culture.