Stage manager responds to bottle-throwing incident at Maskandi event
Khekhokuhle “Ncushela” Vilakazi, a renowned stage manager, has addressed the chaos at the Mthandeni Summer Experience on Saturday, 4 January.
During the event at eMdletsheni, fans hurled bottles at 18-year-old singer Naledi Aphiwe, cutting her performance short.
The altercation began when Naledi took the stage while maskandi star Gatsheni was still present, following an unplanned extension of his set. Fans, upset by the disruption, reacted aggressively.
Ncushela clarified that the confusion stemmed from a mix-up in the lineup. “It wasn’t Gatsheni or Naledi’s slot—it was actually Saliwa’s turn. However, Gatsheni stayed longer to appease fans after being invited on stage by Jaiva Zimnike. While we tried to manage the situation, Naledi’s team forced their way on stage,” he said.
He added that both artists bore responsibility: Gatsheni for not clarifying his presence and Naledi for starting her performance prematurely.
Naledi later apologized to Gatsheni and event organizers, vowing to handle future performances better. Gatsheni accepted her apology and wished her well in her career.
