The Kwaslondon Fun, Games & Musical Festival descended into chaos in Makwassie near Wolmaransstad, North West, after fans reacted violently to the absence of the headlining act, award-winning musician Makhadzi.
Scheduled to perform at 10 PM, Makhadzi failed to appear, leaving thousands of fans waiting until 5 AM.
In a move that sparked further outrage, organisers attempted to placate the crowd by bringing out a Makhadzi lookalike. However, the plan backfired as attendees quickly realised the deception. Enraged fans began hurling bottles and stones, eventually setting the stage ablaze.
Emergency services and police were dispatched to control the unrest. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported, although the Makhadzi lookalike sustained minor bruises in the commotion.
Following widespread social media reports about the incident, Makhadzi’s management clarified that only a deposit of the R108,000 performance fee was paid. The remaining balance, which was due 14 days before the event, was not settled, leading to her decision not to attend.
The incident trended on social media with a section of South Africans revealing that the musician who the show’s organisers brought out to perform during Makhadzi’s time slot is not an impersonator but an accomplished musician in her own right.
Social media user @Tebo_Mashashane identified her as Mukosi also known as Mukosi Muimbi noting,
“Actually this is not Makhadzi’s look alike her name is Mukosi, she is performing her own songs. Makhadzi is not the only artist who sings in Venda.”
Here are a few facts about Mukosi:
Her real name is Shonisani Maideledzha
She welcomed her son Rokunda Aynwell Maideledzha on 18 June 2024.
Mukosi is known for her feature on King Monada’s hit single Ghanama. The track was initially set to include Makhadzi, but Mukosi took over after a dispute between King Monada and Makhadzi regarding the song’s ownership.
She hails from Mukondeni in the Vhembe District, Limpopo.