Da L.E.S’ medical troubles, McKenzie’s tweet misses, and Malaika’s musical mayhem

It’s been a tumultuous few weeks in Mzansiwood (can we make this a thing?) Let’s jump in and see what’s what.

1. Da L.E.S medical woes have social media asking questions

Rapper and self-proclaimed “North God”  Da L.E.S suffered a stroke on his 39th birthday last week Friday, his family revealed. The statement said that the “All Eyes On Me” rapper, real name Leslie Mampe Junior, had been hospitalised and was stable. “Whilst he is in a stable condition, this remains a challenging time for his loved ones, and his family calls on the public to keep him in their thoughts and prayers as they navigate this difficult period,” the family said. 

But there’s ongoing backlash regarding his family’s alleged plea for donations for his medical care. According to Zimoja, a note was sent out to the rapper’s close friends appealing for donations from his mother, Priscilla, who was reportedly on her way to Mzansi from the US, where she lives. Social media is not impressed, asking what Mampe, known for throwing annual exclusive invite-only All White dress code parties, has been doing with his money. “We grew up knowing that his family is rich rich!” said one person on Twitter, while another asked why his family weren’t selling his expensive clothes and cars to foot the bill. 👀

The Deputy Minister of Sports, Art and Culture, Peace Mabe and the Gauteng MEC of Health, Nomantu Ralehoko, wished Mampe a speedy recovery and assured his family of “continued support” as he recovers. 

2. McKenzie struts into the Miss SA debate

Speaking of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, Minister Gayton McKenzie has weighed in on the ongoing bruhaha over Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina’s participation in the Miss SA pageant. Last week, we told you that Adetshina has been facing vitriolic, xenophobic attacks from South Africans who said she shouldn’t be in the pageant given her heritage. For context, Adetshina’s father is from Nigeria, and her mother is Mozambican, but like Adetshina, she grew up in Soweto. Adetshina was born in South Africa.

On Monday, McKenzie joined the conversation by tweeting that “we truly cannot have Nigerians compete in our Miss SA competition.” McKenzie said he was still investigating the matter but said it gave “funny vibes”. Of course, this isn’t surprising, considering McKenzie’s party, the Patriotic Alliance, is famously anti-immigrant.

His comments have landed him in the bad books of many, including Economic Freedom Fighters MP Naledi Chirwa. Chirwa has also faced xenophobic backlash because of her surname, which is Malawian in origin, while the EFF deserves props for being one of the few parties that takes a stand against xenophobia. Chirwa lashed out at McKenzie, saying he was “not patriotic at all”. She accused him of being silent when asked about Leon Schrieber becoming Home Affairs Minister but bullying a black woman (Adetshina). “You’ve got all the time to take on a Black SAn woman but hid when questioned about the white Minister of Home Affairs. Hate weak men,” she tweeted. 

Adetshina truly is the face that launched a thousand ships debates!

3. And you’re not my destiny: Malaika duo feuds over replacement

Finally, Tshedi Mholo, formerly of the Afro-Pop group Malaika, is seething at the person former bandmate Bongani Nchang has chosen to replace her. Last week, Mholo lashed out at Nchang, accusing him of “tarnishing my brand”. Mholo left the iconic group in 2021 to focus on business and a solo career and gave Nchang permission to find her replacement. “To Bongani, all the best should you so wish to continue individually and or get my replacement to preserve the Malaika legacy,” she said in her statement.

Now, however, she is not happy with her replacement, Tsoakae Molipa. “I keep getting tagged by fans in posts on social media telling me that they saw me perform at a gig but that wasn’t me. Some even tell me how bad I performed and this is tarnishing my brand,” said Mholo. 

Nchang is fighting back, saying that he has tried to get Mholo back, but she declined his call. Drama!

Malaika started performing in 2003. It comprised Nchang, Mholo, and the late Jabulani Ndaba. The three met at a church in Soweto. 

It’s sad when a group that has brought generations of South Africans such joy with iconic hits like 2bob and Destiny can’t get along. 😞

What other entertainment news caught your attention this week? Let us know in the comments!