Simphiwe Dana accuses Nomzamo Mbatha, Shaka Ilembe of stealing her style

SOUTH AFRICA – Afro jazz musician Simphiwe Dana has hit out at actress Nomzamo Mbatha, accusing her of stealing some her Afro-centric hairstyles as part of her role on the hit TV series, Shaka Ilembe.

The “Ndiredi” hitmaker is well-known for embracing Afrocentric hairstyles, having rocked them for most of her public career.

In a now-deleted tweet posted on Monday, Simphiwe expressed her frustration over what she said is the continued appropriation of her look.

“I’m fed up with brands appropriating my style. The least you can do is acknowledge where you got the ideas from. I’m talking to you Shaka iLembe and Nomzamo Mbatha. The other sister I won’t mention. It started here. Appreciate, don’t appropriate,” she wrote.

“I don’t know if it’s a lack of creative thinking or what. I don’t mind being appreciated. But stealing my brand ideas and not acknowledging me is foul, appropriative and exploitive. Stop.”

Mbatha plays Queen Nandi in the historical series, in which she has captured the eye of the public not only for her acting displays but also her stylish outfits and hairstyles.