Simphiwe Dana, the iconic Afrocentric artist, has ignited a heated controversy after accusing Shaka iLembe and its star, Nomzamo Mbatha, of stealing her signature Afrocentric hairstyle without acknowledging her influence. Known for embracing African heritage and identity through her music and personal style, Dana’s bold comments have raised questions about the fine line between cultural appreciation and appropriation — especially given the deep, centuries-old roots of Afrocentric hairstyles in African history.
Dana took to social media, expressing her discontent: “There’s a difference between appreciation and appropriation. You’re not the only one… At least acknowledge me, together with the Shaka iLembe crew. I’m so disappointed because I love you,” she wrote, calling out both Mbatha and the popular TV series for, in her view, lifting her brand without credit.
The accusation comes amidst a long-standing debate around Afrocentric hairstyles, which trace their origins to ancient African cultures, symbolising heritage, identity, and social status. From the intricately styled hair of the ancient Egyptians to the wide variety of tribal styles across the continent, Afrocentric hairstyles carry significant cultural weight. For many, including Dana, the commercialisation and appropriation of these styles without proper acknowledgment of their origins is seen as problematic and exploitative.
In a follow-up post on X, Dana didn’t hold back: “I don’t know if it’s a lack of creative thinking or what. I don’t mind being appreciated. But stealing my brand ideas and not acknowledging me is foul, appropriative, and exploitative. Stop.” Her comments reflect growing frustration within African artistic communities about how cultural symbols are sometimes used without respecting their historical significance or those who have worked to preserve and popularise them.
In response to Dana’s critique, many have argued that Mbatha’s hairstyle in Shaka iLembe isn’t an act of appropriation but rather a celebration of African culture, which is deeply embedded in the historical context of the series. Shaka iLembe, a historical drama about the rise of the Zulu kingdom, is set in a time when such hairstyles were not just fashionable, but culturally significant. For many of Mbatha’s fans, her choice to wear the style on-screen is viewed as an effort to honour the heritage of the very culture the show portrays.
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