Dodo Nyoka is making headlines again after addressing backlash over his decision to perform Afrikaans music.
The popular black pop star, known for his hit songs like Meisie, Ek Verstaan, and Country Girl van Bloem, is no stranger to stirring conversations with his music.
Backlash on TikTok Stirs Controversy
A TikTok video of Dodo Nyoka performing for an Afrikaans crowd recently went viral, and it sparked heated discussions online.
Some black social media users criticized him for singing in Afrikaans, raising concerns about racial divisions in music.
One TikTok user asked, “Is this what white people from South Africa listen to?”
Dodo, not one to shy away from controversy, fired back by sharing a clip of himself dancing to his popular song Meisie among a crowd of fellow black fans.
His response? “Nope, it’s what the Rainbow Nation listens to.”
Dodo Nyoka Claps Back at the “Traitor” Label
In another video, Dodo Nyoka directly addressed a critic who called him a “traitor” for making Afrikaans music.
He said, “So this man calls me a traitor because I make Afrikaans music? What he is saying is that because of the colour of my skin, I’m only allowed to sing African music.”
Standing firm in his musical choices, Dodo emphasized his belief in freedom of expression: “The piano keys are black and white, and together, they make music that brings colours to our hearts and minds.”
Who Is Dodo Nyoka?
Dodo Nyoka’s background adds an interesting layer to his musical journey.
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Dodo and his family fled the country due to war.
He grew up in the Eastern Cape, and his primary languages are French and Xhosa, though he is fluent in both English and Afrikaans.
Dodo was fostered by an Afrikaans family, which likely influenced his connection to Afrikaans music.
He initially turned to singing to overcome a speech stutter and quickly found his voice in the music world.
Dodo’s talent earned him a spot as a runner-up in the second season of the Afrikaans singing competition Die Kontrak.
A Bold Artist Who Defies Labels
Dodo Nyoka’s decision to sing Afrikaans music, despite facing criticism from some corners of the black community, highlights his belief in the power of music to unite people of all backgrounds.
In his own words, he’s simply making music that speaks to the hearts of all South Africans, regardless of race or language.