Cassper Nyovest faces backlash for clapping back at a critic of "Kusho Bani", sparking debate over online criticism.
Image: Instagram / Cassper Nyovest
Cassper Nyovest is facing backlash on social media after responding harshly to a woman who criticised his latest track, "Kusho Bani".
Instead of addressing the critique, the rapper took aim at her appearance, sparking widespread debate among fans and netizens.
The controversy began when X user @lisakhat tweeted: "Imbi la ngoma ka Csspr shame" (This song by Cassper is ugly, shame).
She later defended her opinion, stating: "Eyoba I hate him ndiyiva ngani. I’m allowed to dislike songs, even if it’s from artists I like unfortunately."
Nyovest fired back with a personal jab: "Okay but did they post you on Valentine’s Day or not? Judging from di-picture, ha o spec!!!" (Judging from your pictures, you are not a spec).
The user responded: "Out of interest neh, what does that have to do with ANYTHING?"
Doubling down, the "Doc Shebeleza" hitmaker tweeted: "Hao guys Kante are you guys the only 1s allowed to troll, pass judgement and talk smack about us? If you say my song is rubbish and it’s the most Shazammed song in the country, someone is lying. So le nna I can also say O MO BE!!! Whether you actually are or not. Fair game!"
His response ignited fierce debate online. Many criticised him for resorting to personal insults rather than addressing constructive criticism, while others defended his right to respond to online hate.
X user @reaschwarz weighed in: "Problem ka wena is that you underlyingly have an issue with women that aren’t light-skinned. You’ve expressed it within your lyricism from time to time. It’s low-key a reflection of low self-esteem as a black man, respectfully."
Another user, @MduduziMats, challenged Nyovest’s stance: "Nah, I disagree with you on that one. She is a spec, also she has a right to voice her opinion on what she likes and doesn’t like. It doesn’t mean she hates you as an artist. I also have songs I don’t like from my favourites."
User @Htt_Lit added: "Spec se kena kae Cassper? Did she say she was a spec or all she did was to give a review on the song? Kgane kaofela we should love the song now? Come on."
However, some came to the rapper’s defence. @cyrilzuma wrote: "Don’t you think everyone has the right to say what they want? You call someone’s efforts wack, but they must keep quiet because they’re popular. Sounds diabolical."
Despite the backlash, "Kusho Bani" remains a major hit.
The track, featured on Nyovest’s latest project, has gone viral on TikTok, inspiring trending dance challenges.
It recently climbed to Number 4 on South African radio charts and is currently the most Shazammed song in the country.
Cassper Nyovest, real name Refiloe Maele Phoolo, is one of South Africa’s most successful rappers.
He has won multiple awards, including South African Hip Hop Awards and Metro FM Music Awards, and is known for hits like "Tito Mboweni", "Mama I Made It", and "Siyathandana".
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