In the world of entertainment, fame can be fleeting, especially when celebrities face public backlash and controversy.

In South Africa, several popular stars have experienced the infamous “cancel culture” and, as a result, have seen their careers take a significant hit.

From personal scandals to public missteps, these Mzansi celebrities have faced immense scrutiny, leading to professional and personal struggles.

Here’s a look at some of the celebrities who were cancelled and are now suffering: Kelly Khumalo, Babes Wodumo, Lady Zamar, Tall Ass Mo, Nontle Thema, Zoe Mthiyane, and Phat Zoe.

1. Kelly Khumalo: The Controversial Queen of Mzansi

Kelly Khumalo has always been a polarizing figure in the South African entertainment industry.

Known for her powerhouse vocals and chart-topping hits, Kelly has also been embroiled in a number of controversies, most notably regarding the tragic death of her former boyfriend, Senzo Meyiwa.

The media frenzy surrounding her personal life and her role in the ongoing investigation led to widespread criticism.

Her involvement in multiple public feuds, including with other celebrities, has only further tarnished her public image.

Despite her undeniable talent, Kelly Khumalo’s reputation took a significant hit, leaving her to battle with both public perception and industry opportunities.

However, she has remained a prominent figure in the music industry, though her career trajectory has clearly been affected by the backlash.

2. Babes Wodumo: From Hitmaker to Headline Grabbing

Babes Wodumo, a talented musician known for hits like “Wololo,” rose to fame as one of South Africa’s most popular gqom artists.

However, her career suffered after a very public domestic violence incident involving her then-boyfriend, Mampintsha. The altercation was caught on video and went viral, leading to a social media uproar and a massive fall from grace.

Babes Wodumo has also faced criticism for her behavior and the way she handles personal and professional challenges.

Though Babes continues to make music, her career has been clouded by the incident, and she has struggled to regain her former glory in the public eye.

The emotional toll and public scrutiny she endured have certainly contributed to the setbacks in her career.

3. Lady Zamar: The Heartbreak and Backlash

Lady Zamar, a highly regarded vocalist, is best known for her hit song “Collide.” Her career faced a major blow when her former boyfriend, Sjava, accused her of fabricating claims of abuse after their breakup.

The drama played out on social media, with fans taking sides and fueling the fire. The scandal affected Lady Zamar’s image, leading to a loss of sponsorships and a dip in public support.

Despite her musical talent, the public fallout from the scandal has caused a divide between her and the South African music scene.

Lady Zamar has struggled to regain the same level of popularity and success she enjoyed before the controversy.

4. Tall Ass Mo: The Joke That Went Too Far

Comedian and TV personality Tall Ass Mo found himself in hot water after making an inappropriate joke about a sensitive issue.

The backlash was swift, and many fans and followers criticized him for his lack of respect and judgment. Though Tall Ass Mo apologized for his comment, the damage was done, and his public image was severely impacted.

The comedian has faced difficulty in maintaining his prominence in the entertainment industry, with many questioning his career trajectory after the incident.

He has since tried to rebuild his reputation, but the shadow of his controversial remark continues to linger.

5. Nontle Thema: The Downfall of a TV Star

Nontle Thema, a former television personality, was once a household name in South Africa. However, her career began to unravel after a series of missteps, both in her personal and professional life.

Her infamous breakup with rapper and actor, AKA, dominated headlines, followed by a public feud with several other celebrities.

Nontle’s controversies and public drama left her with a tarnished reputation that was difficult to overcome.

Today, Nontle Thema’s presence in the media is far less frequent, and her career seems to have stalled. The once-promising star’s downfall is often seen as a cautionary tale of how quickly fame can fade when embroiled in scandal.

6. Zoe Mthiyane: A Star Struggling to Reclaim Her Career

Zoe Mthiyane, a talented actress and singer, was once considered one of South Africa’s rising stars. Her career took a major hit after her highly publicized breakup with her ex-boyfriend, which included allegations of infidelity.

Following the breakup, Zoe was dragged into a series of controversies, including criticism for her emotional outbursts on social media and in interviews.

While Zoe still enjoys a loyal fan base, her career has struggled to regain momentum after the public scandals.

Her presence in the entertainment industry has diminished, and she has faced considerable difficulty rebuilding her image.

7. Phat Zoe: The Fall of a Music Icon

Phat Zoe, a renowned South African rapper and producer, found herself in the midst of a social media storm after she was accused of making controversial and divisive statements.

The backlash was immediate, and Phat Zoe’s reputation suffered as a result. Many of her fans turned against her, leading to a drop in both her popularity and her career prospects.

While she once enjoyed significant success in the music scene, the negative attention has caused Phat Zoe’s career to stall. She has faced significant challenges in trying to rebuild her brand and move past the controversy.

The Impact of Cancel Culture on Mzansi Celebrities

Cancel culture has undoubtedly had a profound effect on the careers of these South African celebrities.

Whether due to personal issues, public feuds, or scandalous behavior, the aftermath of being “cancelled” has left many of these stars struggling to regain their former status.

In an era where public image is everything, the toll of such controversies on Mzansi celebrities cannot be underestimated. While some are slowly working to rebuild their careers, the scars of being “cancelled” often linger, leading to diminished opportunities and a long road to redemption.

In conclusion, the Mzansi entertainment scene has seen many celebrities fall from grace due to public backlash. From Kelly Khumalo’s troubled past to Phat Zoe’s career struggles, the reality of cancel culture is something that these celebrities continue to grapple with.

Whether or not they can recover remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: fame can be fleeting, especially when faced with the harsh scrutiny of public opinion.