Zimpapers Logo

AKA

Showbiz Reporter
SOUTH African rapper AKA’s camp has condemned Black Coffee calling him “ill-mannered and immature” after the DJ slapped their road manager Tshiamo Letshwene over the weekend.

A video of the smack during an argument between the pair at the DStv iRock Festival in Limpopo on Saturday evening went viral on Sunday.

In the video, the one handed Black Coffee gave Letshwene a slap that knocked off his cap.

According to Raphael Benza, AKA’s manager, Black Coffee must apologise to Letshwene for slapping him.

“It’s completely unacceptable for Black Coffee to have hit someone. We thought he was a gentleman and a professional. I’m sure he has something to say about his despicable and inexcusable action but in the meantime we anticipate an apology from Black Coffee to the young man,” said Benza in a statement.

“Tshiamo is more shocked than injured. We admire and hold Black Coffee in high regard but his actions on Saturday night have let us down especially for Tshiamo who is a fan and considers Black Coffee a role model.”

As of yesterday, Black Coffee’s camp had not sent out a message in response or to explain his actions over the weekend.

A video of the wheel spinner apologising during a set at a nightspot in Johannesburg called Kong is circulating on the internet.

Black Coffee paused while playing his set and said: “I’m sorry, I’m not that guy” before playing Mandoza’s hit track Nkalakatha.

Fans and celebrities took to social media to comment and poke fun at the incident using several trending hashtags.

After the incident, AKA went on a Twitter rant but from the looks of things, most fans are on Black Coffee’s side.

Benza gave his side of the story of what transpired and said the altercation was because of a performance slot change that was done by organisers of the event.

“AKA was not late for his performance at the DStv iRock Festival in Limpopo as media and event goers have reported. As an Agency, it is very important for us to be professional at all times with all our stakeholders. Three weeks ago we requested a performance time change for AKA to which the event organisers agreed and confirmed. We wanted to ensure that there was enough travel time for AKA and his band as they had another event prior to the DStv iRock Festival and a private jet was chartered to ensure they got to Limpopo at the quickest possible time,” said Benza.

He said if Black Coffee had a problem with the arrangement, he was supposed to confront show organisers and air his grievances.

“Disputes should be addressed directly with the event organisers to which they would have been able to confirm to Black Coffee that they advised AKA’s band to set up at that particular time. AKA and his band were willing to wait to perform after Black Coffee’s set but were instructed to go on as planned. We cannot attest to whether or not Black Coffee was informed prior to Saturday night about the changes with his timeslot, but he had no business arguing with and then slapping Tshiamo,” said Benza.