Simphiwe Dana Responds to Backlash Over Nomzamo Mbatha Accusation: “I’m Open for Interviews”
- Simphiwe Dana addressed the harsh criticism she received online after accusing Nomzamo Mbatha of being a copycat
- In her post, Simphiwe Dana challenged her critics and shared that she's available for interviews under certain conditions
- Her response comes after she hinted at a major career development amid the backlash over her post
- Professional hairstylist Lazaros Sumbane shared insights with Briefly News on the increasing influence of traditional African hairstyles in mainstream media trends
Source: Instagram
Veteran songstress Simphiwe Dana isn’t backing down after receiving harsh criticism for accusing actress Nomzamo Mbatha and the Shaka iLembe crew of copying her signature hairstyle. Instead of eating humble pie and apologising, the Ndiredi musician has used her platform to lecture her critics and announced that she is ready for interviews under certain conditions.
Dana became the butt of social media ridicule, with ordinary South Africans as well as celebrities such as Anele Mdoda and Sannah Mchunu joining in. While Simphiwe Dana shared a cryptic post on Tuesday, 29 July 2025, now she has come out guns blazing.
Simphiwe Dana addresses backlash over Nomzamo Mbatha post
On Wednesday, 30 July 2025, Simphiwe Dana took to her official X account and called out her critics. The musician, who was recently in Russia, told her critics to elevate the conversation and announced that she was open to interviews only if they met her criteria. The post was captioned:
PAY ATTENTION: stay informed and follow us on Google News!
“Now it would be nice to have some proper think pieces instead of whatever you’ve been doing this past week. For those, I’m open for interviews.”
Professional hairstylist Lazaros Sumbane spoke to Briefly News about the surge in mainstream media embracing hairstyles inspired by traditional African culture. She said:
"When celebrities wear these looks, it helps shift beauty standards and makes our work as stylists more visible. But it also means we must protect these styles from being used without understanding or credit."
Netizens react to Simphiwe Dana's response
Social media reactions were swift and unkind. Some mocked Simphiwe Dana for stirring up drama for attention, while others advised her that she should’ve focused on her music instead of chasing clout through controversy.
@ItumelengM27985 asked:
“Why did you think it was JUST to be credited for African hairstyles which existed for many years🤔”
@SiboYolo responded:
“Eshe, as if that manufactured one-sided beef you were attempting to start was groundbreaking! They paid you dust and you're here uzozenza isgora, thinking uyoyikwa! Haska, uzivezile qha wena ukuba unentliziyo embi!”
@Che_Che_Letebel advised:
“@MacGUnleashed, you and Dudu mustn't fall for this; we don't want to hear about hairstyles.”
@Sifiso____ suggested:
“Would love the think pieces, but please let them be about the actual politics of Black hair — not who wore it first.😭”
@marcia_breeze asked:
“So, all of this was for attention?”
@Zet_Ndlovukati suggested:
“Should have just released a new banger song and called it a day.”
@ZeeRight highlighted:
“Someone did say that your real problem is that she is booked and busy.”
@ATswanaGoddess said:
“Oh no, this is so sad.”
Source: Getty Images
Simphiwe Dana hints at career advancement amid backlash
In more entertainment news, it hasn't been all doom and gloom for Simphiwe Dana amid the backlash for her post targeting Nomzamo Mbatha.
Briefly News reported that Simphiwe Dana hinted at a huge career glow-up amid criticism for her comment targeting Mbatha.
Dana updated her fans regarding an important meeting she had and expressed that it was fruitful.
Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
Tayananiswa Zvikaramba (Editor) Tayananiswa Zvikaramba is an entertainment writer at Briefly News. He previously worked as a profiler, sports, human interest, entertainment, and current affairs writer at Pindula (2016-2022) and iHarare (2022-2025). He holds a BA Honours in Archaeology from the University of Zimbabwe (2010-2013), YOAST SEO for Beginners (2023), YOAST Block Editor Training (2023), and YOAST Structured Data for Beginners (2023). Email: tayananiswa.zvikaramba@briefly.co.za
Lazaros Sumbane (Founder of Pro Love Salon and Pro Love Academy) Lazaros Sumbane is a qualified artistic and creative hairstylist. With nearly two decades of experience, he excels in cutting, colouring, styling, weaving and crafting for special events. Sumbane was featured in the 2021 SABC3 show "A Cut Above the Rest". In 2018, Lazaros initiated a programme to give back to the elderly.
