Not every birthday gig ends in applause—and for Murumba Pitch, his recent set in Zimbabwe was anything but smooth sailing.
But instead of retreating, the Amapiano artist is already planning a bold return.
Crowd Rejection Didn’t Stop Him
On July 18, Murumba Pitch—real name Khathutshelo Mangolo—was the main act at Julyfest in Kadoma.
The date also happened to be his birthday. But the celebration quickly turned sour when the crowd booed him off stage.
The reception caught many off guard. Even though he had top billing, the audience didn’t connect with his performance—and they made that pretty clear.
He’s Not Blaming Xenophobia
Speaking candidly on Podcast and Chill with Sol Phenduka, Murumba Pitch addressed the now-viral incident.
He made it clear he doesn’t think xenophobia was at play.
Instead, he believes the crowd simply wanted a different vibe. “They were expecting high-energy genres like dancehall,” he explained.
Even promoters told him afterward that the sound didn’t match the audience’s expectations. “I couldn’t blame them,” he added.
Murumba Pitch Joins Big Names at Jacaranda Music Festival
Despite the rocky experience, Murumba Pitch is heading back to Zimbabwe this October.
According to Herald Online, he’ll perform at the Jacaranda Music Festival in Harare, alongside South African stars Mafikizolo, The Soil, and Vusi Nova.
The event, themed “Amplifying African Excellence,” is scheduled to run from 3–5 October at the Thorn Park Polo Grounds.
This will be a major stage and a big moment for Murumba Pitch to reintroduce himself.
From Duo to Solo Spotlight
Murumba Pitch is no longer part of the popular Amapiano duo.
He’s been focusing on his solo journey and building a new sound and identity as an individual artist.
And while Kadoma didn’t go as planned, he says performing in places like Harare and Bulawayo has always been a joy.
He’s clearly not letting one bad night define his path forward.
Should Musicians Stick to Their Style or Switch It Up?
Murumba Pitch’s experience raises an interesting question: when artists perform outside their home countries, should they adapt to local tastes—or stay loyal to their sound?