Afro-pop singer Kelly Khumalo has been dropped from the line-up of the highly anticipated Maseru Jazz Festival in the wake of her involvement in the Senzo Meyiwa trial.
Maseru Jazz Festival drops Kelly Khumalo amid Senzo Meyiwa saga
According to reports, the festival’s management made the decision on Thursday, citing the need to protect the event’s integrity and allow Khumalo time to address the accusations arising from the court proceedings.
Testimony Links Khumalo to Alleged Hitman
The decision to remove Khumalo from the festival comes after SA Police Service cellphone analyst Colonel Lambertus Steyn’s testimony in court last week.
Steyn revealed that a phone connected to the singer received calls from a number associated with the alleged hitman, Fisokuhle Ntuli, several months before the murder of her former lover, Senzo Meyiwa.
Despite the lack of direct evidence linking her to any crime, the festival organizers took a cautious approach.
In a statement, the Maseru Jazz Festival management emphasised their respect for the legal process and the professionalism of the legal team.
While Khumalo is considered innocent until proven otherwise, the decision to remove her from the line-up was made to safeguard the festival’s reputation.
The management recognised the importance of giving the singer and her team space to address the issues arising from the murder trial.
Maseru Jazz Festival lineup confirmed
The Maseru Jazz Festival, scheduled for 24 September 2023 at Maseru Park and Entertainment in Bokone, Mafikeng, promises to deliver a star-studded line-up despite Khumalo’s removal.
Artists like Mafikizolo, Nathi Mankayi, Tebogo Moloi, and DJ Phat K are still expected to take the stage.
The festival management assured the public that they would announce a replacement for Kelly Khumalo soon, depending on the availability of other artists.
They aim to ensure the event’s success and provide attendees with an enjoyable experience.
This is not the first time that Kelly Khumalo’s appearances have been cancelled by event organisers. Earlier, she was removed from the line-up of the Tribute to Women Festival, scheduled for 12 August 2023 at the family-friendly Emmarentia Botanical Gardens in Johannesburg.