Naledi Aphiwe apologises for Gatsheni controversy

There’ve been mixed reactions to 18-year-old singer Naledi Aphiwe’s apology after a chaotic stage incident at the Mthandeni’s Summer Experience in KwaZulu-Natal at the weekend, which caused may to question the roles of managers and event organisers.

A video of the teenage musician has gone viral on social media, where she ran onto the stage while Maskandi artist, Gatsheni, was performing.

She was resisted by the crowd who threw objects at her, including cans and bottles.

Aphiwe was later whisked offstage.

In her apology, the young singer says it was never her intention to cause any disruption or disrespect.

“I acknowledge my actions were inconsiderate and I deeply regret the way I conducted myself on stage. I take full responsibility for my actions and am committed to working on myself during this time. To my supporters, I ask for your understanding and support as I continue on this journey.”

The 18-year-old gained fame after she posted a video singing a Chris Brown song and later appeared in one of the American singer’s album, 11:11.

Last month, she celebrated her birthday by meeting Chris Brown during his concert at the FNB stadium in Johannesburg.

While many have questioned the sincerity of her apology, some have also blamed the event organisers and her managers for not giving her direction.

Some say this was a learning curve for the young musician and she can definitley learn from her mistake.

I’ve never understood the Naledi Aphiwe hate ,it’s so sick man .

— i8 (@Real_i8) January 5, 2025

Gatsheni has rubbished claims that he was disrespected by Naledi Aphiwe, he says his set was done and the audience wanted more so he entertained that but his time was definitely done…
Dankie Gatsheni for not playing into the social media hate… https://t.co/EhCoanMLQU

— M A T H U S I 💐 (@zeewa2c) January 5, 2025

I need Naledi Aphiwe’s bravery, the way she continued performing while they were throwing bottles at her ?crazy.

— 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐮𝐧. (@_ShaunKeyz) January 5, 2025

Most of you oldies hate Naledi Aphiwe because in your mind she was recognized by Chris Brown someone who you’d offer bums to because you clearly have no Talent hating on a young girl ke square root sa masepa pic.twitter.com/qXJldxQ6h4

— Skwatto (@Tutu_Sekwati) January 5, 2025

Naledi Aphiwe Needs to Chill. 🧘‍♀️

This industry can be brutal if you have no chill.

It can get ugly really quickly- next thing you are going through therapy 👩‍⚕️ , uyathwasa 🧌 and uyasindiswa ⛪️. pic.twitter.com/6l0Wj1ZfN6

— 𝑺𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝑴𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒊 Ⓜ (@SandileKaMsibi) January 5, 2025

It’s commendable that Naledi Aphiwe has taken full accountability for her actions and acknowledged the disruption she caused, especially considering her young age and relatively new presence in the industry.

— Mosa Sitshatshe (@MosawenkosiS) January 7, 2025

Naledi Aphiwe needs guidance because that ain’t it…

— Bruno Sigwela (@BrunoSigwela) January 5, 2025

Naledi Aphiwe needs proper management/guidance. The kid has great potential. I wish she lands in good hands before the worst happens. The entertainment industry is vile.🤞🏾 https://t.co/yfyw3Jzx8c

— XIMBA (@officialsirlu) January 5, 2025