Amapiano star MaWhoo was forced to miss her highly anticipated performance at the RustyRocks Metro FM Tap Into 2026 New Year’s Eve event at Sun City Resort following an alleged racial attack on her team while travelling to the venue.
The award-winning vocalist, whose real name is Ntobeko Ngema, took to her Instagram Stories to explain her absence, sharing a video that showed visible damage to her touring van. In the emotional clip, MaWhoo alleged that her team was attacked on the road as they made their way to what was meant to be her final performance of the year.
“Got attacked by amabhunu/boer izolo on our way to our last gig. These people attacked our team, bashaya no driver wami,” she wrote, alleging that the driver was assaulted during the incident.
The disturbing revelation sparked concern among fans and industry peers, prompting MaWhoo’s team to release an official media statement confirming that the incident directly affected her ability to perform at the Sun City event.
“We regret to confirm that Ntobeko Ngema p.k.a. MaWhoo was unable to perform at the RustyRocks Metro FM Tap Into 2026 New Year’s Eve event at the Sun City Resort due to circumstances beyond her control,” the statement read.
According to the statement, MaWhoo and her team were travelling from a prior engagement when they encountered what was described as a severe racial incident and attack. The altercation reportedly caused extensive damage to their touring bus and resulted in a significant delay, making it impossible for the singer to arrive at the venue on time.
“Despite all reasonable efforts by MaWhoo Entertainment and the RustyRocks team, it was not possible for the artist to arrive in time for her scheduled performance,” the statement added.
The team extended an apology to fans, patrons, and event stakeholders who were looking forward to seeing MaWhoo perform at the popular New Year’s Eve celebration, acknowledging the disappointment caused by her absence.
“We sincerely apologise to patrons and stakeholders for the disappointment caused,” the statement continued, thanking supporters for their understanding during the ordeal.
In a serious development, MaWhoo’s team also confirmed that the alleged perpetrators have since been identified and that legal action will follow.
“We have ascertained the perpetrators’ details and we will be seeking further legal recourse,” the statement concluded.
The incident has reignited conversations around safety, racial tensions, and the protection of artists and their teams while travelling for performances, with fans rallying behind MaWhoo and wishing her team a full recovery.
