Podcaster Sfiso Ndlovu has issued a public apology to Amapiano vocalist Thatohatsi Raphadi following comments about her body that sparked backlash and hurt many fans. The apology comes after a heated discussion on the Piano Pulse podcast, which quickly went viral on social media.
The controversy started during a conversation where music executive Nota Baloyi made a blunt remark about the singer, saying: “Thatohatsi’s body does not look amazing.” The comment led to further discussion, with podcast host Sfiso adding that even if Thatohatsi ate junk food every day, she would not gain weight because her body is naturally slim.
The clip caused outrage online, with many accusing the podcasters of body-shaming. Fans were especially concerned after Thatohatsi shared an emotional response, revealing how deeply the comments affected her. She explained that the remarks took her back to a painful place she had worked hard to heal from, leaving supporters heartbroken and angry on her behalf.
Following the backlash, Sfiso addressed the situation in a recent episode of the podcast, where he apologised to the vocalist. He explained that the clip circulating on social media was taken out of context and edited in a way that changed the original intention of his words. According to Sfiso, he was trying to make a comparison between himself and the Amapiano star, not attack her appearance.
“I felt like sh*t because I thought the country knew how much I love Thatohatsi. I, in my heart, adopted her as my daughter because she looks exactly like my daughter, and that’s one of the reasons I fell in love with her,” he said.
Sfiso went on to clarify that he never intended to hurt Thatohatsi and expressed concern over how deeply the comments affected her. “I’m more concerned about that because she’s so hurt. My comment on the full context of the clip was not meant to hurt you. There’s no way or day in life I’d wake up and decide to hurt someone like you. I care about you so much. I’m really sorry for my part,” he said.
He continued with an emotional apology, taking responsibility for the pain caused. “I account for my heart. For breaking your heart. The way you’re feeling, I don’t think you deserve to feel the way you feel. You’re a beautiful women, you’re gorgeous. You look exactly like my daughter and I love you the way you are. I want to apologise to you and your family.”
