Celebrities
Robot Boii slammed online after Skhothane-inspired performance at Paris Fashion Week
South African dancer Robot Boii has found himself trending online after his performance at Paris Fashion Week.
The performer played a key role in showcasing the latest collection from fashion brand MaXhosa Africa, founded by designer Laduma Ngxokolo.
The label debuted its Autumn/Winter 2026 collection in Paris, France, incorporating dance and cultural elements as part of the runway presentation.
During the showcase, Robot Boii and a group of dancers delivered a routine inspired by the once-popular Skhothane subculture.
A clip from the performance quickly circulated online, showing the dancers spilling custard onto a carpet while performing the energetic routine, a reference to Skhothane culture, which was known for extravagant fashion and symbolic displays such as pouring custard on luxury items.
The video, shared on X, drew immediate backlash from viewers who felt the performance misrepresented the culture.
While the performance was meant to celebrate South African culture on an international stage, many social media users said the execution fell short.
One user wrote: “If real Skhotanes aren’t there feels like a bastardisation of the culture, and of course, Robot Boii is always at the scene of the crime.”
Another commenter expressed disbelief that the designer would approve the act, saying: “I’ve modelled for @MaXhosaAfrica. I refuse to believe Laduma would agree to this, on set he is so strict about how his garments are represented, to do this at PFW.”
A third user suggested a different approach to representing the culture, posting: “If you’re gonna pay homage to the skhothane culture, at least invite someone like Material Don Dada, not Robot Boii (respectfully).”
Watch the video below:
Robot Boii in Paris for the Maxhosa Africa fashion show. pic.twitter.com/zdITRDS0WF
— Musa Khawula (@Musa_Khawula) March 9, 2026
