Cassper Nyovest turns body shaming into motivation ahead of ‘Fill Up’ concert

Body shaming, whether it targets regular people or celebrities, is never acceptable! 

The topic often leads to heated debates as people try to balance online opinions with basic kindness.

Recently, award-winning rapper Cassper Nyovest found himself in the crosshairs of social media after his Scorpion Kings Live with Friends concert on Friday, August 29, 2025.

Many people concentrated more on his outfit and appearance than on his stage presence, which became the subject of harsh criticism. 

But even celebrities aren’t immune to the sting of body shaming.

From his outfit to his physique, the rapper faced an avalanche of criticism, with some comparing his attire to clothing from Milady's, a South African retailer known for catering to plus-size women.

While the comments may have been intended as jokes, they struck a nerve with Nyovest, who admitted they hurt.

“The comments over the weekend were harsh. I mean, you hurt my feelings a little bit, but sometimes that’s what you need, right? A little push," he said in an Instagram video. 

Instead of letting the negativity bring him down, he used the criticism as motivation to focus on his health.

Sharing his journey with fans, he revealed that he had officially begun training for his highly anticipated "Fill Up Toyota Stadium" concert on December 6, 2025.

“We’re three months from 'Fill Up', and I’ve officially started training. I was doing cardio all week. This time it’s a bit more fun ‘cos I’m playing tennis. Next week, I’ll be starting weight training,” Cassper shared in the video. 

This isn’t the first time the rapper has embarked on a weight-loss journey.

In 2022, he took to Instagram to celebrate his transformation, admitting that it was his third time shedding the kilos.

He wrote: “This was by far the hardest weight-loss journey for me because I’ve done this three times now. Mentally, I didn’t feel as strong, and I was demoralised. But I just kept waking up and going.”

This latest chapter in his wellness journey is a testament to his resilience and determination, proving that motivation can come from even the harshest of places.

The "Kusho Bani" singer didn’t shy away from addressing the double standards surrounding body shaming.

In his video, he called out those who mocked his weight, describing their actions as a projection of their insecurities.

“Firstly, it is definitely a projection of how you feel about yourself, body shaming and all of that. You don’t even know what I’m going through, but I’m going to take that, take the lemons, and turn them into lemonade. You already know."

This sentiment was echoed by fans and celebrities alike, who rallied behind him in the comments section.

Fellow artists like Priddy Ugly and Major League DJz applauded his dedication, while others questioned why body shaming seems more socially acceptable when directed at men.

Instagram user @dreign asked: "Why is it okay to body shame guys, but when the same is done to ladies, you start getting crucified?"

Research shows that body shaming, whether aimed at women or men, often stems from personal insecurity. The difference? Society seems to shrug when it’s men being targeted.

Weight gain and loss are deeply personal experiences influenced by various factors, including mental health, lifestyle changes and societal pressures.

And most importantly, weight management isn’t linear.

Nyovest revealed that he has officially started training again. He said in the video that his routine this time is a bit different, more fun, a mix of cardio, tennis and soon, weight training.

This level of dedication is admirable but also highlights the importance of balance. Weight loss should always be about health and personal well-being, not meeting unrealistic societal expectations.

Social media is a powerful reminder of the impact words can have. While it allows for free expression, it also demands responsibility. Behind every profile is a human being navigating their own challenges. 

For Nyovest, the criticism became a catalyst for positive change. But not everyone has the resilience to turn hurtful comments into motivation. Body shaming, whether directed at celebrities or anyone else, can have long-term emotional and psychological effects.