The Cultural Urban Festival Africa (Cufa) in Mangaung, Free State, over the weekend has sparked an unexpected showdown between two of South Africa’s music giants, Makhadzi and Oscar Mbo.
In a dramatic encounter that has now spilled over social media both artists have candidly expressed their frustrations over their on-stage spat that has now become a subject of speculation.
Makhadzi expressed her dismay on social media, stating: “What began as an electrifying showcase quickly turned into a public spat, capturing the attention of fans and followers alike after Makhadzi accused Oscar Mbo’s DJ of removing her USB while she was trying to finish her performance.
“Bloemfontein Macufe, I am sorry to perform for 20 minutes. I don’t know if this is all about the Oscar MBO PR trend, but why in such crazy moments when people paid their money to see us? Unfortunately, Oscar Mbo DJ removed my USB when I was about to finish. Awwa bafana raorata, but don’t do that, please. PR can be done without hurting others.”
Mbo’s response offered another viewpoint, exposing all of the details that go on behind the scenes.
According to him, Makhadzi had interfered with his designated time; clarifying, he said: “Ya ne. I’m out of words, but do your thing, hey. You got to the event late. You performed in my time slot. I was there from 1:00. You started at 01H45 (on my time). They gave you until 02H15 and you ended at 02H20; I started at 02H20 and ended at 02H30 (I performed 10 minutes because you had used my time). No one took you off; you got off stage when you got done after performing ALL THE SONGS you wanted. My time slot that we got.”
Makhadzi further defended her position and expressed admiration for Mbo, asserting her right to perform according to the contractual agreement, despite the ongoing back-and-forth.
“Oscar Mbo I hear you, my brother; your DJ can tell you what happened. I was cutting songs to finish so fast, and he pulled off the USB, and I begged him to perform only one last song because, from our contract, we agreed that I must perform 45 minutes instead he showed me that if I don’t go off, he’s going to embarrass me.
“My DJ was powerless, and I couldn’t see from his eyes that it’s getting worse. The promoter indicated that I must go on stage at that time, because when I go on stage, I go do what I have rehearsed. My brother, I love you so much, you know. I know that you were backstage because who didn’t see what was happening on stage?”
This was not the only dramatic encounter that happened in Mangaung at the weekend; Lloyiso also had a meltdown at the Lemo Festival, where he expressed his frustration on stage over time-delayed time slots.
The issue was later resolved amicably on stage, where he apologised and later shared a stage with award-winning musician Nathi.
The Star