Simphiwe Dana calls out Nomzamo Mbatha and Shaka iLembe crew over “copied” hairstyle! Award-winning singer and activist Simphiwe Dana (45) has publicly criticized actress Nomzamo Mbatha (35) and the Shaka iLembe production team, accusing them of copying her signature hairstyle without acknowledgment.
In a now-deleted tweet posted on Monday, 28 July, the Ndiredi hitmaker expressed her anger over what she described as repeated instances of brands and public figures appropriating her image.
Simphiwe Dana calls out
“I’m now fed up with brands appropriating my style. The least you can do is acknowledge where you got the ideas from. I’m talking to you, Shaka iLembe and Nomzamo Mbatha. The other sister I won’t mention. It started here. Appreciate, don’t appropriate,” Simphiwe wrote.
She later expanded on her frustration via Instagram, addressing Nomzamo directly:
“Honey, there’s a difference between appreciation and appropriation. You’re not the only one. I’m fed up. It’s deeply disconcerting and cringe. At least acknowledge me, together with the Shaka iLembe crew. I’m so disappointed, because I love you.”
Cultural Experts Weigh In
Simphiwe is renowned not only for her music but also for her bold, cultural fashion statements. Her criticism sparked debate over cultural ownership and artistic credit.
Cultural expert Professor Gugu Mazibuzo told Daily Sun that, historically, hairstyles in African cultures were communal rather than individually owned.
“There was no individual ownership. Even if someone created a unique style, it would quickly spread across villages,” she explained.
Mazibuzo cited Chicco Twala’s famous haircut, “Isichicco,” which became a nationwide trend without claims of exclusivity. “There was no concept of ownership back then. This debate is new,” she added.
Changing Times and Legal Complexities
While Mazibuzo acknowledged that times have changed, she noted the possibility of Dana having legal grounds:
“These days, people have rights, and maybe Simphiwe has done something to protect her style. If she can prove that, then it becomes a very interesting conversation.”
Cultural researcher Musa Xulu echoed this, noting that hairstyles have always been shared cultural elements.
“Even if someone is recognized for making a hairstyle popular, unless the actual creator can prove originality, it’s hard to claim ownership,” he said.
Xulu added that while Dana may feel her identity is being exploited, legally proving appropriation would be challenging.
“Culturally, it can be recognized as part of identity. But can she prove she created it? I doubt it, especially from a legal perspective,” he concluded.
The debate has ignited widespread discussion online, with fans and cultural commentators split on whether Dana deserves credit—or if hairstyles remain a shared cultural expression.
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