On Saturday, south African music sensation Kelly Khumalo, known for her hit song “Empini,” expressed her dissatisfaction with the South African Music Awards (SAMAs). Despite walking away empty-handed, Khumalo stands firm on her opinions, although she acknowledges regret over her past homophobic statements.
Kelly Khumalo’s Apology and Admission of Regret
The day following her awards ceremony rant, Khumalo took to social media to continue expressing her discontent with the event organizers. In the midst of responding to trolls and critics, she made regrettable homophobic remarks directed at certain individuals who questioned her assertions. Responding to the criticism, she stated, “Sit down, Aunty, the day you decide whether you’re a man or a woman, then we can talk.”
Kelly Khumalo-Image Source@InstagramDespite facing backlash from netizens, Khumalo continued making additional homophobic remarks. Eventually, she offered an apology, acknowledging her mistake by stating, “Ngonile [I messed up] with my homophobic remarks ngiyaxolisa [I’m sorry] that was uncalled for.”
The Viral Rant
Before issuing her apology, Khumalo intensified her criticism of SAMAs and targeted gospel singer Ntokozo Mbambo, who won the Female Artist of the Year award. Alleging that the votes were rigged and expressing that Mbambo did not deserve the award, Khumalo ignited a storm of controversy.
Claiming, “She knows she doesn’t deserve it. Numbers don’t lie… Even Ntokozo knows that numbers don’t lie! We are not scared of her. Fuseg SAMAs,” Khumalo continued her rant. Ntokozo Mbambo went on to win three awards that night, including Album of the Year and Best Contemporary Faith Album for her work, “Lavish Worship.”
In subsequent posts, Khumalo continued her tirade, stating, “Arranged winnings FUSEG!… I’m not scared of all of you FUSEG! FUSEG NONKE.” She also used the IsiZulu expletive “ms*nu,” popularized on social media by DJ Euphonik several years ago.