Former Murumba Pitch member Khathutshelo Mangolo has finally broken his silence on the viral incident that saw him booed off stage during a performance in Zimbabwe earlier this month. Speaking candidly on the popular Podcast and Chill, Mangolo offered insight into what he believes led to the uncomfortable scene and addressed the growing speculation online.
Mangolo was performing at Julyfest in Kadoma on 18 July 2025 when things took a sharp turn. Just minutes into his set, the audience became unruly—throwing objects and pouring liquids in his direction, prompting him to plead with the crowd to stop. The incident was captured on video and quickly went viral, sparking discussions across social media platforms in both South Africa and Zimbabwe.
According to Mangolo, the backlash had more to do with musical expectations than personal animosity. “I don’t blame them,” he said during the podcast. “Those guys want wild music, whereas my music is softer. They wanted their own sound, like dancehall and reggae.” He went on to explain that the promoter even warned him afterward that the crowd wasn’t familiar with his sound and suggested that he should’ve opened with his more well-known hits.
However, not everyone is convinced that music alone was the issue. The Podcast and Chill crew, along with many social media users, speculated that the tension may also be rooted in the ongoing friction between South Africans and Zimbabweans. In recent years, there have been growing sentiments on both sides, with political and social dynamics spilling into entertainment spaces.
Despite the uncomfortable experience, Mangolo remained composed and understanding of the crowd’s reaction. “I’ll take it as a learning curve,” he said. “Maybe next time I’ll be better prepared or choose a different setlist for that type of crowd.”
Khathutshelo Mangolo, once part of the celebrated Amapiano duo Murumba Pitch, has been carving out a solo path since his departure. While this incident may have cast a shadow on his Zimbabwe performance, many fans still admire his artistry and honesty in addressing the situation.
Whether due to cultural differences in music preference or deeper tensions, one thing is certain — Mangolo’s humility and openness have earned him respect in how he’s handled the controversy.
@movements.12 @Universal Music South Africa @SABC News @Amapiano clips @The South African Music Awards #createpilotprogram #createpilot ♬ original sound – movements
