Local artist attacked by Cassper Nyovest fans
Hairdo battle between Singil and Casper Nyovest fans turns bloody in Sandton.
A RICHARDS Bay kwaito celebrity was attacked and stabbed by an angry mob in Sandton last week by fans of SA hip hop sensation, Cassper Nyovest.
Siphamandla ‘Singil’ Ngema (24), who sports long braided hair, escaped the clutches of the assailants who accused him of imitating their idol.
In an exclusive interview with The Zululand Observer, Ngema said while sitting with friends at a park they were approached by the group.
‘The confrontation started verbally, and they were all saying ‘who do I think I am?’ for impersonating Nyovest, and that I was trying to be famous.
‘I had the shock of my life when these men surrounded us, pointing fingers at myself and friends.’
Ngema said things turned ugly when the gang drew knives and stabbed him on his left arm.
‘Everything happened quickly, but I remember blocking the knife with my arm. If I didn’t do that, who knows where they would have stabbed me.’
After the attack he was rushed to a nearby medical centre without major wounds.
Ngema’s hairstyle, which includes a long braid, looks similar to that of Nyovest, but he insists he never copied the hairdo.
‘I have had this style since 2007, hence my stage name is Singili, which means braid.
‘Casper was not even in the music industry then. He was introduced three years ago and that is why this is so shocking because I have had this for years.
‘How could I have copied something if I had it first?’ questioned Ngema.
‘I will always have this style and I will die with it, no matter what people say.’
Article reaction
The incident occurred a day after a comparison story appeared in a national newspaper, which drew conflicting reaction from fans.
They took the matter to various social networks, and many expressed their support towards Ngema.
‘KZN people know who I am, but since I am now based in Johannesburg, people there don’t know me. This is what caused the confusion.’
Ngema said he fears for his life and has to be accompanied by a bodyguard to ensure his safety.
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