Behind the Bottles: Stage Manager Breaks Silence on Naledi’s Mthandeni Incident

by Thabiso Rakgaka

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Stage manager Khekhokuhle “Ncushela” Vilakazi has spoken out following the chaos that ensued during Naledi Aphiwe’s performance at the Mthandeni Summer Experience on 4 January. The 18-year-old musician was pelted with bottles by angry fans after a performance clash that saw her take the stage while maskandi star Gatsheni was still on. Fans were upset when Gatsheni’s set was interrupted, and the miscommunication triggered a violent outburst from the crowd.

Vilakazi, who is a seasoned stage manager at prominent maskandi festivals like Impucuzeko and Mother of All Maskandi, clarified that the timing issue was not entirely the fault of either Naledi or Gatsheni. He explained that it was actually Saliwa’s turn to perform, but due to Gatsheni’s popularity, he was allowed to extend his set after Jaiva Zimnike invited him on stage. This decision was made to avoid further upsetting the fans, who were already eager for more of Gatsheni. However, while this was being managed, Naledi’s team insisted on beginning her performance prematurely, which led to the confusion and fan backlash.

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According to Vilakazi, both Naledi and Gatsheni were at fault for the timing clash. He explained that Naledi was wrong to start her performance while Gatsheni was still on stage, an action he considered disrespectful to both Gatsheni and the audience. He also pointed out that Gatsheni should have made it clear that he was only performing as a guest during Jaiva’s set and not during his designated slot. Vilakazi emphasized that proper communication could have prevented the incident, noting that the official schedule had placed Saliwa after Jaiva, followed by Abafana BakaMgqumeni and then Naledi.

In the aftermath of the incident, Naledi issued a public apology, expressing regret for her role in the situation. She apologized to Gatsheni, the event organizers, and her fans, vowing to learn from the mistake. The incident has since sparked discussions about the importance of clear communication and careful coordination during live performances, especially at large festivals where timing and crowd management are crucial for maintaining order and ensuring a positive experience for everyone involved.

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