South African vocal powerhouse Naledi Aphiwe is walking into a digital storm just weeks before her scheduled performance at the Ama2k Fest in Zimbabwe. The “Zelele” hitmaker, set to headline the festival on April 4, 2026, has seen her past social media activity come back to haunt her as local fans dig up old grievances.
The Spark: A Resurfaced Comment
The controversy reignited on Sunday when X (formerly Twitter) user @DillenMasawi shared the official festival poster featuring Naledi alongside Nigerian superstar Ruger and South Africa’s Scotts Maphuma.
The post didn’t just promote the show; it served as a reminder of a comment Naledi allegedly made last year that many Zimbabweans found derogatory. The user questioned her presence on the lineup, citing her perceived “one-hit-wonder” status and her past friction with the Zimbabwean digital community.
The Viral Post: “Besides having one known song, Naledi Uyo didn’t she insult Zimbabwe last year? Haa ndezvema 2K sure (It’s an Ama2k Festival for real).”
Divided Opinions: Insult or Misunderstanding?
The Zimbabwean Twittersphere (X) quickly became a battleground of opinions regarding how the singer should be received in Harare:
- The Critics: Many feel the festival promoters are “disrespecting” the local audience by booking an artist who previously engaged in online spats with the nation.
- The Defenders: Some users argued that the comment in question—reportedly telling people to “wait for her in Zimbabwe”—was taken out of context. One user, @esco_mf, asked: “Is telling people to go and wait for her in Zimbabwe an insult?”
- Lineup Scrutiny: The backlash hasn’t been reserved for Naledi alone. Other performers, including Yahya, have faced questioning from fans who feel the lineup lacks cohesion.
Festival Outlook
Despite the online friction, Ama2k Fest remains one of the most anticipated youth-centric events in Harare this April. Promoters have yet to release a formal statement regarding the backlash, but the tension raises questions about whether Naledi will address the crowd to clear the air before she takes the stage.
