Online Reporter
Rising star Naledi Aphiwe has confirmed to Sowetan that her celebrity romance with fellow singer Mawelele was fake — a PR stunt to promote their Romeo & Juliet duet.
The stunt paid off, with the chart-topping hit winning Best African Pop Song at the Metro FM Music Awards in May. Mawelele had not responded to Sowetan’s calls and texts on the matter.
The 19-year-old exclusively tells Sowetan why she’s coming clean now.
QUESTION: Did you and Mawelele really date?
ANSWER: We were together [for our music], but we never dated. If you look closely at our pictures, you won’t see any kissing ones; it was all staged. It was all publicity for our music, and I thank everyone for believing in it.
So, yes, I’m not, and never was, in a relationship with Mawelele. The only thing Mawelele would do was kiss me on the forehead, but that was it.
We both have partners and I think it’s time we both respect them by coming clean. We couldn’t carry on like we were dating when we have partners. It was getting to a point where our partners couldn’t understand that we had to do certain things to convince the public we were a couple, especially Mawelele’s partner, who was already tired of the stunt.
Q: Will you be collaborating with Mawelele again?
A: Nothing has changed. This was a stunt we had to keep up with for most of 2025. However, we will continue to release music together. We actually have a song titled, Come Duze, that we are going to release soon.
Q: How would you describe 2025?
A: I’m grateful for all that happened. All that I desired and wanted happened and exceeded my expectations. One standout moment was winning a Metro FM Music Award. It was my first time being nominated and it was a big win for me.
It also meant so much for my people back home [in Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal].
Q: How would you describe your music trajectory?
A: Very humbling, because in 2024, I was in high school and I came to Johannesburg last year. I went from being in a school uniform to being recognised by musicians I used to look up to in the entertainment industry.
Their love and support gave me the motivation to keep going and to solidify my voice more with my music.
Q: Who have been your mentors on this journey?
A: Definitely Cici and Blaq Diamond. These are people I looked up to. As a young artist, I’m so grateful that I can share the space with people I used to idolise. I’m happy to say that now I’m friends with them. I even have Cici’s number in my phone.
I get to call her when I need any assistance. I also travel often with Blaq Diamond — they are like my brothers.
Q: Who would you like to collaborate with next?
A: I’d like to work with Zee Nxumalo as well as Thatohatsi, Kelvin Momo, Babalwa M, and Nontokozo Mkhize. The plan for this year is to do something new; I’m tired of boxing myself in and singing just R&B. I want people to see a new version of me.
I’m going to try out new genres, from amapiano to three-step.
Q: How did it affect you when Chris Brown sampled your voice on his 11:11 album?
A: I always say that I’m here all because of Chris Brown. He changed my whole life. Him sampling my voice opened so many doors for me − I wouldn’t be here if he hadn’t recognised my voice − Sowetan.
dyton mupawaenda