Singer and activist Simphiwe Dana has sparked controversy online after publicly accusing actress Nomzamo Mbatha and the Shaka iLembe production team of copying her hairstyle without acknowledgement.
Simphiwe Dana’s social media outburst sparks online debate
Dana made the accusation on her social media accounts on Monday, 28 July, in a series of posts that were later deleted.
She wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“I’m now 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.”
“Appreciation Versus Appropriation,” Says Dana
Dana, who is known for her distinct and bold appearance, also posted on Instagram where she directly addressed Nomzamo Mbatha, writing:
“Honey, there’s a difference between appreciation and appropriation. You’re not the only one. I’m fed up. It’s deeply disconcerting and cringe. At least acknowledge me, together with the Shaka iLembe crew. I’m so disappointed, because I love you.”
Dana is known for blending traditional Xhosa music with jazz and soul, and for speaking out on cultural and social issues. Her signature look has often included elaborate traditional hairstyles and garments.
Experts Weigh In On Hairstyle Ownership
Cultural experts have responded to Dana’s claims by explaining that in many African traditions, hairstyles have historically been shared within communities and were not considered the property of one person.
Professor Gugu Mazibuzo told Daily Sun that in the past, even when someone created a new hairstyle, it quickly spread within the community.
“There was no individual ownership,” she explained. “People would see something beautiful in another region, take it home, and it would spread. We never heard anyone demanding credit.”
She cited the example of Chicco Twala’s famous haircut, “Isichicco,” which became widely popular across South Africa.
However, Mazibuzo noted that in modern times, individuals may have legal protection if they’ve taken steps to officially register their styles.
Cultural researcher Musa Xulu agreed that hairstyles are traditionally part of a shared culture. He stated that even if someone is known for popularising a hairstyle, claiming exclusive rights would be difficult without evidence of original creation.
“Unless the person designed the hairstyle, it would be legally difficult to argue appropriation,” Xulu explained. “Culturally, it can be recognised as an enhancement of identity. But can she prove that she created or designed it herself? I doubt it.”
Simphiwe Dana has not released any follow-up comments since deleting the posts, and Nomzamo Mbatha has not responded publicly to the accusations.