- A viral TikTok video featuring award-winning singer Naledi Aphiwe sparked significant discussion online
- In the footage, Aphiwe shared insights about her career, expressed gratitude for her supporters, and clarified her relationship with Ntokozo Mkhize
- However, some internet users criticized her for what they described as ‘broken English’
During the album launch for Murumba Pitch in Midrand, Naledi Aphiwe was one of the featured artists and participated in an interview.
In her discussion with interviewer Kamo Royalty, Naledi Aphiwe elaborated on her songwriting process in the studio, confirming that she takes part in creating her own music.
“It is such a great experience to be me. I love me, I would look up to me,” she laughed. “I am so grateful, man, to be recognised as a young artist here in South Africa, because I think I’m the youngest female artist here who is doing great, if I can say that. I am so grateful to my supporters. Please continue to stream my music, liking my videos and sharing the love,” she said.
Discussing her song Iphupho, which she created alongside Murumba Pitch, Aphiwe explained that the song conveys a message about achieving dreams. “The song talks about allowing your dreams to come true, just wait. God is always present. Everything will be okay, just hold on.”
Source: Instagram
Mzansi notices Naledi’s broken English
Throughout the interview, viewers picked up on Naledi’s broken English. The focus of the comments was less about her overall language use and more about her pronunciation and clarity.
When discussing her connection to Nontokozo Mkhize, Aphiwe stated that they are indeed sisters, emphasizing, “we came from the same womb.”
Her pronunciation of “womb” led many viewers to conclude that her English was not fluent.
Check out the TikTok video posted by @FreshmanMag below:
Here are some reactions from social media users:
Jabulile Happiness remarked:
“The English, no man. She is too young to speak such broken English.”
Alulutho commented:
“She can speak English, but I think she’s not confident enough, or she has a fear of making mistakes. She’s improving, tho.”
Amahleer05 shared:
“If you are from a public High School, not multi-racial, a lot of you will understand Naledi’s struggle of knowing and being able to write proper English, but struggle to speak it fluently without the ‘um’ constantly there! I am talking from experience! And currently going through this.”
Nathisonke Mthusi added:
“We share the same Wamb “
Junior Givey said:
“She’s 18 and the only artist in SA who’s had an opportunity to work with Chris Brown. She writes her own songs, is a great performer, wins every award she’s been nominated for, and she is both beautiful and funny. Yet you guys are focusing on the wrong thing.”
Celine Josephs asked:
“Why is it that when a person can’t speak Zulu or Sepedi, you don’t judge them? What’s so special about the English language?”
Siibahle defended Naledi:
“Your comments, guys. Naledi passed matric with a bachelor’s + distinctions.”
