BLOEMFONTEIN – The Lemo and Cufa festivals in Bloemfontein witnessed a dramatic turn of events this weekend, with singer Lloyiso Gijana delivering a fiery on-stage tirade against the organisers. The incident follows complaints from another performer, Makhadzi, about technical issues during her set.
A video circulating widely on social media captures Gijana's outburst. Addressing the crowd, he vented his frustration: "Let me be honest with you; we got here early. Lemo Festival has been treating us like sh**. I am tired of people not respecting artists, we work so hard to come on the stage and prepare this set for you guys; you don't give us our room, f*** you Lemo Festival," he said before abruptly leaving the stage.
His comments highlight the pressures and frustrations faced by artists, particularly regarding the logistical support provided by event organisers.
Gijana, who rose to prominence on season 11 of Idols SA in 2015, at the age of 16, reaching the top 5, has since built a significant following. He explained his stage name change, stating: “I’ve been trying to do it for a couple of years now. I wanted my name to be different from all the other talented Loyiso’s.”
His journey post-Idols SA included a brief stint studying education before ultimately succumbing to the pull of his musical passion. He signed with Ambitiouz Entertainment in 2018, later joining Universal Music Group South Africa and Republic Records in 2021.
His recent success includes a Best Pop Album award at the South African Music Awards for his EP, "Seasons," released in March 2023. This success culminated in his "Elephant in the Room" tour, which has taken him across four major South African cities.
The Lemo Festival organisers, however, have issued a statement claiming the matter has been resolved amicably. Their statement reads: "Following the on-stage incident involving Lloyiso at the Lovers and Friends Concert during Lemo Fest 2024, we would like to confirm that the matter was amicably resolved."
They further claim that Gijana subsequently apologised to the audience and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to perform: "Shortly after the incident, Lloyiso expressed his sincere gratitude for being part of the 2nd edition of Lemo Festival. He also offered a heartfelt apology to the Lemo patrons, the festival organisers and his fellow performers."
The organisers' statement also describes a reconciliation on stage: "In a spirit of unity, Lloyiso joined Freddie Kenney, executive chairperson of the Kenworth Group and Nathi on stage to perform the song "Asilwi nabantu, silwa nemimoya" demonstrating a powerful moment of reconciliation and celebration. This gesture highlighted the collective commitment of all involved to move forward in a positive and uplifting manner," the statement concludes.
While the organisers paint a picture of reconciliation, the video of Gijana's outburst continues to circulate, sparking debate amongst music fans and industry professionals alike. The incident raises important questions about the treatment of artists, the pressures they face, and the need for improved communication and respect within the music industry.
