Sfiso “Mafitsotso” Ndlovu, who co-hosts the podcast Piano Pulse, has issued an apology to Amapiano artist Thatohatsi after facing backlash over remarks he made about her looks. The criticism followed calls on social media for Ndlovu to be held responsible, as many felt he was guilty of bodyshaming the singer during a recent episode.
Ndlovu became the topic of discussion online when a segment featuring him joking about Thatohatsi’s physique gained traction. He stated that even if she consumed cooking oil, she would not increase her weight, saying, “Even if I were to lock her up and make her drink oil, she would never gain weight; she’s originally like that.” The comments drew significant criticism as many perceived them as hurtful, particularly given the ongoing struggles within the entertainment industry surrounding beauty expectations and the scrutiny faced by women regarding their bodies.
The situation escalated when the segment was compiled with unflattering remarks from music executive Nota Baloyi about Thatohatsi. This video rapidly went viral and appeared to suggest a calculated attack on the singer from multiple fronts, aggravating public outrage. In response to the unfolding situation, Ndlovu stated that the original footage was from 2025 and claimed that his words had been taken out of context.
In his statement, Ndlovu recognized the distress his remarks caused and accepted accountability for impacting the artist negatively. “The full context of the clip was not to hurt you. I would never wake up and decide to hurt you. I’m sorry for my part. I account for my part in breaking your heart,” he said. He extended his apology to Thatohatsi and her family, asserting, “You don’t deserve it; you’re a beautiful woman. I care about you.”
He also reflected on the potential repercussions of thoughtless dialogue in platforms such as podcasts. “I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings or make you feel like less of a woman. A lot of people were hurt in the process. Sometimes we sit here and speak our minds, and we don’t see how much we’re hurting others. I’ll do better,” he further commented.
Despite his earnestness, many online observers expressed doubt about the sincerity of his apology. Some criticized it as being more performance-based and reactive, suggesting it stemmed from a fear of being “cancelled” rather than genuine regret. As discussions persist, the incident has brought renewed focus on the delicate balance between humor and harm, as well as the obligation that public figures have when discussing others in media.
Sfiso apologises to Thatohatsi on Piano Pulse Podcast. pic.twitter.com/3Tw7bTMyFf
— Piano Connect (@PianoConnectSA) January 20, 2026
