South African singer Naledi Aphiwe is reportedly encountering a significant professional issue after controversial remarks made online possibly resulted in the loss of a lucrative contract valued at millions.
The information came to light during a recent episode of Music Pulse, which was released on YouTube on 10 March 2026.
The show’s co-host Thakgi stated that the artist may have forfeited a deal worth nearly R5 million with the brand Stumbo due to comments she shared about the new partner of her suspected ex-boyfriend, Mawelele.
“She had a deal that was worth just under R5 million with Stumbo, and she lost it because she made comments about Mawelele’s new girlfriend,” Thakgi remarked during the program.
This incident follows a previous controversy where Aphiwe faced backlash for comments aimed at a social media user from Zimbabwe, prior to her scheduled performance in Harare.
That comment drew criticism from fans, prompting the singer to issue an apology.
Although a considerable number of her supporters from Zimbabwe seemed to accept her apology, the repercussions of the controversy appear to be ongoing for the emerging musician.
Reports regarding the cancellation of the purported R5 million deal have elicited a variety of reactions on social media.
While some fans expressed sympathy for Aphiwe, stating that young artists occasionally make errors in the spotlight, others suggested she might benefit from professional support in managing her social media presence and public relations.
A number of social media commentators recommended that the artist consider media training or public relations support to better manage the challenges of rising fame.
Naledi Aphiwe list a R5 Million brand deal for hating on Mawela’s new girlfriend online 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/o8MIJgCu8X
— S I H L E T H E P L U G (@RealSihleIV) March 11, 2026
