Malema hits out at AKA's decision to stop performing at EFF events
AKA has made it no secret that he supports the African National Congress.
The rapper, who is currently in Nigeria, has been vocal about his political affiliation on social media.
He recently tweeted that he will never perform at a DA or EFF
I've turned down every request of the DA to perform at their events. I've even performed at 2 EFF parties. https://t.co/kLpAdueoQi
— AKA (@akaworldwide) May 18, 2016
Never again. I realized I don't need the money that bad.
— AKA (@akaworldwide) May 18, 2016
The rapper's tweets have ruffled some feathers in the political sphere. On Friday, EFF spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi replied to his tweets.
The point is not for artists to choose sides, because their music which in @akaworldwide case is really not political. U hav fans in EFF too
— Mbuyiseni Ndlozi (@MbuyiseniNdlozi) May 20, 2016
I hav no problem with @akaworldwide membership of ANC. I support the right to affiliate. But why boycott EFF when many fighters buy yo music
— Mbuyiseni Ndlozi (@MbuyiseniNdlozi) May 20, 2016
All South Africans, regardless of party affiliation buy @akaworldwide music. Why boycott them just because they are EFF?
— Mbuyiseni Ndlozi (@MbuyiseniNdlozi) May 20, 2016
The mistake @akaworldwide makes is to think being a conscious rapper means boycotting political parties u don't support. It's Unartistic!
— Mbuyiseni Ndlozi (@MbuyiseniNdlozi) May 20, 2016
EFF leaders buy @akaworldwide music, play your music & been to your shows. Because its content doesn't isolate us! Now should we boycott u?
— Mbuyiseni Ndlozi (@MbuyiseniNdlozi) May 20, 2016
AKA doesn't seem to understand why his decision to openly support the ANC is causing drama.
All this drama because I said I would no longer perform at opposition party events and because I am openly ANC.
— AKA (@akaworldwide) May 20, 2016
Minister of Sports and Recreation, Fikile Mbalula, then showed his support for the rapper.
Artists are not divorced from society and it's realities.Our constitution affords them Freedom of Expression & of Association @akaworldwide
— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) May 20, 2016
I for one support all our artists, despite their political affiliation @akaworldwide, all political leaders should.
— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) May 20, 2016
Apartheid was brought to its knees because of artists like Miriam Makeba and more who used their art to influence @akaworldwide
— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) May 20, 2016
Imagine if those artists who used their art to fight against apartheid were told
— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) May 20, 2016
"Shut up, focus to your music"
Ngesiphi ? @akaworldwide
Nonke: put some respect on the rights for our artists to express themselves, even if not favorable to us in leadership
— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) May 20, 2016
Julius Malema, leader of the EFF also joined the conversation. He asked the father of one not to "confuse individual tweets with the position of the #EFF leadership". By "individual tweets", he means Mbuyiseni's comments.
AKA replied: "Am I incorrect in labeling the national spokes person of the EFF as "leadership"
Julius then told AKA to come clean if he wants to fight against the EFF.
@akaworldwide chief if you want a fight against the EFF just come openly we are ready for you. Why generalize instead of referring to one
— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) May 20, 2016
@akaworldwide it's ok,enjoy your freedom. We have nothing against you just don't make the EFF ur enemy,we don't care about your affiliation
— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) May 20, 2016
@akaworldwide we invited u to our events before knowing very well that you are ANC because that matters not to us...
— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) May 20, 2016
Never considered EFF my enemy to begin with. Like I said, we marched side by side with fighters at #FeesMustFall https://t.co/VgHE3cb6SP
— AKA (@akaworldwide) May 20, 2016
I really respect Juju for even taking the time to clarify his stance and provide leadership on this matter.
— AKA (@akaworldwide) May 20, 2016
(File photo)
