Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu
UK-BASED Kwaito and Gqom firestarter Xosti is not holding back — and this time his crosshairs are firmly locked on Black Diva, whose latest remix track Thilo Lilo has lit up YouTube but rubbed purists the wrong way.
The remix, which draws heavily from Lovemore “Majaivana” Tshuma’s timeless classic Uzakufa Kubi, has been trending since February with over 56 000 views. But for Xosti, real name Xolani Tshongwe, numbers don’t mean justice.
“There is a lack of respect in the remix culture,” fumed the outspoken artist. “You don’t just slap some beats on a masterpiece and call it a remix!”
Xosti, who recently remade the cultural anthem Emkhayeni with finesse and flair, said Black Diva missed the mark, failing to capture the emotional weight and message of the original.
“Look, I have massive respect for her as an artiste — her vocals are top-tier,” he said. “But this wasn’t it. She turned a deeply emotional song into a dance track, and in doing so, lost the soul of what Majaivana created.”
While Xosti praised Black Diva’s effort and even hinted at a possible future collaboration, he was clear: this remix didn’t cut it.
“Music is about storytelling, about preserving heritage. You can’t remix something this iconic without diving deep into what it stood for. She could have gone further with the lyrics — some of what was added doesn’t belong there.”
This isn’t the first time Xosti has taken shots in the music scene. He previously clashed with South African star Rethabile Khumalo, accusing her of ghosting a planned European tour. But this time, his gripe is closer to home — and it’s all about protecting musical integrity.
“The remix had potential,” he concluded. “But remixing legends requires reverence. This one just didn’t land right.”
While Black Diva remains silent on the critique, fans are already split — some defending her fresh take, others rallying behind Xosti’s call for remix accountability.
So, is it bold artistry or cultural blasphemy? The streets are talking.
And in true B-Metro fashion, we’ll be watching this musical beef unfold — mic in hand.
