As the light shone on the stars at the South African Music Awards 30th edition (SAMA30), kwaito star, Arthur Mofokate was granted a chance to perform his classic hits during the award ceremony, which later led to widespread public outrage online.
The turmoil began when internet users saw some viewers dancing and enjoying Arthur’s performance. This is because the self-proclaimed “King of Kwaito” was accused of assaulting his former girlfriend, Busisiwe “Cici” Thwala in 2017 and was later acquitted of those charges in the Midrand Magistrate’s Court.
The conversation on X (formerly Twitter) led to a recent controversy surrounding US singer Chris Brown who is set to perform in South Africa this December. With the US artist previously finding himself at the wrong end of the law due to his infamous 2009 domestic violence case for his assault on then-girlfriend, Rihanna, organisations such as Women for Change and many others have logged a petition to keep him from entering the country since many felt that mzansi can’t be supporting abusers.
X users who were divided on the matter weighed in.
One user said:
Hawu the double standards, not y’all dancing and singing with Arthur Mofokate who allegedly beat up Cici to the point that she had to learn how to walk again yet y’all want to cancel Chris Brown. https://t.co/FRaYVPvl5K
— Thabiso M. (@thabisomoyo__) November 3, 2024
Another one responded to Cici’s tweet of broken hearts and said:
You know what is sad? To see all your work undone. You are the only person that stood against that man when others tried and failed. You gave up everything and stood on your principle. You did not deserve that betrayal Cici. Everyone who participated failed you! I’m sorry ♥️ https://t.co/URy2NWQzs1
— Ms Rebrand (@MsRebrand) November 4, 2024
While another one said:
Samas endorsing an abuser …Arthur we remember what u did to Cici #SAMA30 https://t.co/fmDBHutZuu
— spit on me Maliliza im your Njandin ❤️🔥🌸🪝 (@sindi20191) November 3, 2024
Another one with a different view said:
The people who are dancing with Arthur are the same people who will be dancing at Chris Browns concert.
These stupid “gotcha” moments you guys think you have are more a reflection of your own personal moral failings.
Nobody who stands with Cici is going to that concert. https://t.co/ocPRuPkjUW
— K. (@_Kholekam) November 3, 2024
Also see: No doppelganger – Meet some of SA’s biggest twin celebs | Bona Magazine