Simphiwe Dana's shocking revelation: 'I've been stolen from for five years!'
Image: Instagram
Singer-songwriter Simphiwe Dana, known for her sharp social commentary and activism through music, has come forward with a shocking revelation.
The seasoned singer revealed that for the past five years, she has been a victim of exploitation and theft, with her own 'people' implicated.
With a career spanning over two decades, Dana has built a reputation for using her platform to speak truth to power. Since coming onto the music scene in 2002, her music has tackled everything from inequality to social justice.
But behind the scenes, Dana's team had been quietly taking advantage of her trust. According to the artist, the exploitation began five years ago, and she feels betrayed.
'I'm actually getting madder by the moment. I know I bring genius things. For the past five years, I've been stolen from. And my people have been a part of it. I'm tired. The betrayal is painful,' said Dana.
The news has sent shockwaves through the music industry, with many of Dana's industry peers and fans expressing outrage and support. Singer Moneoa Moshesh took to the comment section to show Dana support.
'You're a legend. I'm really sorry for whatever it is you're going through, but please always know you're literally one of my biggest inspirations for individuality and authenticity in writing and the style of expressing music.
'They can't compete where they don't compare. You're amazing. We love you,' said Moshesh.
Another industry peer, Thebe Ikalafeng, also shared words of encouragement with Dana.
'No one can steal your excellence and authenticity; the rest won't last. I love you. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help you,' he said.
Additionally, the 45-year-old Butterworth-born artist celebrated 20 years of her debut album 'Zandisile', with a concert in June at the Playhouse Theatre as well Baxter Theatre.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
39 minutes ago
- IOL News
Healing, inspiring and staying timeless: Skye Wanda's musical journey unveiled
From Durban's streets to SA's main stages, Skye Wanda's story is pure resilience, range and passion. Image: Supplied South African women have long been the heartbeat of the nation's music scene - pushing boundaries, breaking stereotypes and inspiring generations. Among them, few embody that fearless, genre-crossing spirit quite like Skye Wanda. Known for her powerhouse vocals, heartfelt lyrics and ever-expanding skill set, the Durban-born artist is proving she is not just here to sing - she is here to lead, inspire and stay. 'I'm a multifaceted artist,' she said in a conversation with 'Independent Media Lifestyle'. 'Kind-hearted but feisty. I am passionate about my art, ambitious, a loving mother and sometimes just plain goofy. I am also a responsible human being living by faith. That is me; both as an artist and as a person.' Born Nonhle Mhlongo, Wanda grew up in the vibrant township of Chesterville, KwaZulu-Natal. Music was not just a hobby - it was a family tradition. 'Everyone at home could sing,' she recalled. 'My grandmother, my brothers, my sisters… music was always there. I started singing very young because it was part of who we were.' Her big break almost came in 2015 when she entered 'Idols South Africa' and made it to the Top 16. But personal circumstances forced her to withdraw. Instead of deterring her, that setback became a catalyst. 'My journey's been up and down,' she admitted. 'There have been great moments, and moments where I thought, 'I'm done with music altogether.' But I always find myself back because, for me, it is more than talent - it is my ministry.' In recent years, Wanda has added another title to her growing résumé: DJ. It was not just a random pivot - it was a strategic move to deepen her connection to dance music culture. 'The reason I started DJing was to expand my skills,' she explained. 'Ever since I started going hard on dance music, I have been having the time of my life. I have found a home and I am staying. DJing is an integral part of that culture, so I decided to give it a go. It has changed how I view and experience music completely." "Beat-matching, counting, talking about toplines and drops - it has been great. It is also growing my production side, and I love it.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading From Durban's streets to SA's main stages, Skye Wanda's story is pure resilience, range and passion. Image: Supplied Wanda's catalogue is filled with empowering anthems and uplifting messages. While they resonate deeply with listeners, she admitted much of that inspiration starts as self-encouragement. 'The empowering messages in my songs are mostly for me,' she said. 'But I know I am not the only one who needs them, so I put them into songs and share them. I am very spiritual, and my relationship with God is a big part of who I am. When I write about gratitude to Him, it is not just a song - it is a true praise.' Wanda's career boasts collaborations with some of South Africa's most respected names in house music, but one stands out above the rest: her work on 'Girl in the Mirror' with Zakes Bantwini. 'When we made that song, I wrote the first thing that came to mind after Zakes rejected my initial idea for the beat.' 'I decided not to write to impress, but to write from the heart. He liked it, but did not release it for two years - I had actually forgotten about it! When it finally came out and people were singing along, messaging me, relating to it - that was huge. It helped shape the sound I wanted to put out in the dance space.' Her creative partnership with Bantwini has now led to an upcoming joint album. To Wanda, Bantwini is not just a collaborator - he is family. 'Zakes is like a brother to me,' she said. 'We have done a lot of studio sessions together. When he is in Durban, we are in the studio. After my team and I decided not to release a project we had worked on for so long, I told Zakes, 'Let us empty the vault.' I believe in every song we have done.' The project also features contributions from talents like Joseph Dube, Drega, Marco Pex, Jnr SA and Black Rhythm. While Wanda keeps details under wraps, she promised that fans will not be disappointed. 'If I tell you more, I will be giving away too much,' she teased. Wanda's ambitions extend beyond the stage. She is stepping into the business world and even making waves in the gaming sector as deputy president of the KZN Esports Federation. 'I really want to spread my wings in business and esports,' she said. 'It is all about growth and exploring new ways to impact the community.' As the South African music industry evolves at a rapid pace, Wanda is determined to uphold its heart and soul. 'In an ever-evolving music world, I hope to be one of those who maintain musical integrity,' she said. 'I want to make timeless music for people who still have the attention span and palate for music in its purest form.' From Durban's streets to SA's main stages, Skye Wanda's story is pure resilience, range and passion. Image: Supplied For all her accolades and projects, Wanda's ultimate mission remains simple: to uplift, heal and inspire. 'I hope my music changes people's lives for the better,' she said. 'May it bring healing. And may my life be a lesson that if you set your mind to it, you can achieve it.' From Durban's streets to SA's biggest stages, Wanda's journey is one of resilience, versatility and unshakable passion. And if her track record is anything to go by, the best is yet to come. Below are Lutho Pasiya's top five Skye Wanda tracks: 'Amazwi' - a spiritual anthem of gratitude and protection, layered with Wanda's haunting harmonies. 'Girl In The Mirror' - a heartfelt Zakes Bantwini collaboration turned sing-along favourite that helped define her dance sound. 'Take Me Away' - a pulsating, romantic track about the intoxicating surrender of love, delivered with silky vocals. 'Mama Thula' - a soulful, genre-blending collaboration with Bantwini, Thakzin and Suffocate SA that's now among her most-streamed.
The South African
12 hours ago
- The South African
Prince Kaybee slams Dricus: 'Why did he lie about white genocide?'
Prince Kaybee is one of many South Africans on social media who have called out Dricus du Plessis over his endorsement of US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, who have accused South Africa of promoting a 'white genocide'. Over the weekend, the MMA fighter was dethroned of the UFC Middleweight World Champion title belt by his opponent Khamzat Chimaev. On his X account, Prince Kaybee criticised Dricus du Plessis on his views on South Africa. He tweeted about the former UFC champion: 'Why did he lie or carry the white genocide propaganda? We have our differences. But in most cases, people just generally get along. I mean, I have white people who religiously listen to my music, and I appreciate them as people who support me. 'Why was he embracing the falsehood? Did he not think it would come with some backlash? What was he thinking, man?' Dricus du Plessis has not said anything relating to a 'white genocide'. However, he has shown public support for President Trump and Pretoria-born billionaire Elon Musk Earlier this year, Dricus infamously donned a slogan T-shirt that read: 'Trump prefers champions'. When asked about the re-elected president, the MMA fighter said, 'He is amazing, and I've had the privilege of meeting him. 'He said good changes are coming. He's holding many people and countries accountable for everything, and it's amazing to see'. Dricus du Plessis has praised Donald Trump and Elon Musk for speaking out about South Africa. Images via Instagram: @ufc Dricus also gave a 'big shout out to fellow South African Elon Musk for also doing the right thing.' In recent months, Trump and Musk have publicly condemned South Africa for 'racial discrimination' towards white people. According to the world's richest man, his home country is guilty of 'promoting a white genocide'. Like Trump and Musk, Dricus has often spoken out about his concerns for white South Africans, particularly farmer murders. At his UFC debut in 2020, he told the media of his home country, 'It's unbelievable, people are being murdered daily. Because it's Africa, a lot of the world doesn't see it. Nobody knows what is going on…I want the world to see what is happening in South Africa.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
14 hours ago
- IOL News
Priscilla Nkoane: how a Bloemfontein girl became Durban's go-to travel and lifestyle influencer
Priscilla Nkoane (26) is Bloemfontein born influencer carving a name for herself finding the best that Durban has to offer in food and travel. "I create content about food, lifestyle, and travel," says Nkoane, "with a focus on adding creativity and purpose to everything I share." Originally from Bloemfontein, this dynamic Pedi woman uses her platform to celebrate the beauty found in everyday moments. In the heart of Durban, 26-year-old Priscilla Nkoane is carving a niche as a prominent lifestyle and travel content creator. Motivated by the fresh opportunities each new day presents, Nkoane wakes up every morning thankful for the chance to try again. "Every day is another opportunity to come closer to my goals," she shares. This stirring hope fuels her passion for content creation, providing her with avenues to learn and engage with diverse communities through vibrant experiences. Her love for fun shines particularly through her favourite local and international destinations. "Cape Town is absolutely breathtaking; the views, the food, the vibe - it's like a little escape," Nkoane observes. She contrasts this with the tranquillity of Switzerland, a favourite international getaway where the mountainous landscape feels like stepping into a living postcard. Nkoane's journey into content creation began during one of the most challenging periods of her life. "I had just lost my job and my Instagram account, which felt like everything was falling apart," she recalls. But from this turmoil emerged a fresh start. "Starting over allowed me to create something new and authentic. I began sharing everything I had previously been afraid to post, ultimately building a space that truly reflects my passions." Her platform is driven by a desire to connect and inspire. "I've always believed there's power in sharing - being open, relatable, and real," she notes. Nkoane seeks to be a beacon of encouragement for young women, emphasising that there is space for everyone's unique journey in the industry. However, the digital landscape is not without its challenges. Nkoane candidly addresses the jealousy that can sometimes plague female creators. "I really don't agree with that mindset. I focus on my own journey and protect my peace," she affirms, managing to steer clear of unhealthy competition by concentrating on her goals and aspirations. In her journey, Nkoane draws inspiration from figures like Robyn-Leigh Mentor, whose positive energy and authenticity resonate deeply with her. "Robyn's grace and gratitude remind me to stay grounded as I pursue my passions," Nkoane reflects, underscoring the importance of community support. To young aspiring creators contemplating their digital presence, Nkoane has valuable advice: "Nobody is paying as much attention to your life as you think, so post that thing you're afraid to post. Create because it brings you joy, not for validation." It is in this authenticity that true magic lies.
