South African music duo Mapara A Jazz sparked concern online after claiming they were kidnapped and assaulted in Ethiopia. However, the Ethiopian organisers deny kidnapping ‘John Vuli Gate’ hitmakers, calling the allegations “completely false.” The conflicting accounts have left fans and officials demanding answers.
Who Are Mapara A Jazz?
Mapara A Jazz, made up of Leonard Malatji and Mano Nephawe, rose to fame in 2020 with the viral hit John Vuli Gate. Their song became a cultural phenomenon across South Africa, dominating TikTok and local radio charts.
The duo recently travelled to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to perform at the Adey Fest music festival, hosted by Krinfund Events. They shared their journey on Instagram, expressing excitement ahead of their performance.
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Allegations of Kidnapping and Assault
After the performance, one group member posted a photo of himself with a swollen face and visible scar on his chin. The caption alluded to physical violence, and the duo hinted that they had been kidnapped and mistreated by their hosts.
Fans flooded social media with concern, prompting involvement from the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
DIRCO spokesperson Clayson Monyela responded:
“Our team in Addis Ababa is looking into these reports. We’ve not been notified by any authorities. Updates will be provided.”
No formal police report has yet been confirmed or shared by South African or Ethiopian authorities.
Ethiopian Organisers Deny Kidnapping ‘John Vuli Gate’ Hitmakers
In a public statement, Krinfund Events—the organisers behind Adey Fest—denied all allegations.
“We are aware of the false information circulating on social media claiming that South African artists Mapara A Jazz … were kidnapped and beaten,” the statement reads.
“These claims are completely false. The artists performed on Saturday, 26 October, and departed peacefully on Sunday, 27 October. They were escorted by our official team throughout their stay. At no point were they harmed or threatened.”
This denial has added to public confusion, especially with the absence of an independent investigation report.
No Official Confirmation from Authorities
At the time of publication, no criminal charges or formal investigations have been launched. The South African embassy in Addis Ababa has not confirmed any police case or hospital visit.
While social media posts from the duo indicate distress, official sources remain cautious. The public is left relying on statements from both the artists and the organisers.
Context: Kidnapping Risks in Ethiopia
According to a 2023 report by ENACT Africa, Ethiopia has seen a rise in kidnappings and extortion, particularly in regional and conflict-prone areas.
“None of the limited investigative and prosecutorial action has deterred kidnappings,” the report warns.
This does not directly implicate any party in this case. However, it provides important background on the security challenges in the region.
Read more in Celebrity News: Somizi Denies Owning Company Accused of Unpaid Staff Salaries to see how the star responded to the allegations.
This developing story highlights the challenges of verifying celebrity allegations across borders. With Ethiopian organisers denying the kidnapping of the ‘John Vuli Gate’ hitmakers, and Mapara A Jazz alleging assault, clarity remains elusive.
Both fans and officials await a formal investigation to determine the facts. In the meantime, the music community continues to express concern for the artists’ well-being.
