Scotts Maphuma Hit With Bottle on Stage in Zimbabwe Amid SA Artists' Backlash

Published 25 Aug 2026 at 4:03 PM

by Jessica Gcaba

2 min read

South African artist Scotts Maphuma was struck by a bottle thrown from the crowd during a live performance in Zimbabwe
The incident follows a wave of SA artists being axed from Zimbabwean events over immigration tensions
Mafikizolo and Musa Keys were among those dropped from festivals after threats from Zimbabwean youth

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Scotts Maphuma had a bottle thrown at him during his performance. — Scott's Maphuma was hit with a bottle on stage in Zimbabwe. Image: scottsmaphuma
Source: Instagram

A South African performer identified as Scott was hit by a bottle thrown from the crowd during a live performance in Zimbabwe, in a shocking moment captured on video and shared on X on Monday, 24 August 2026.

The nighttime footage, filmed outdoors at a staged event with truss lighting rigs, was recorded by an audience member and reshared by Everything Zim TV on X. The clip, which carries the "everythingzim TV" watermark, shows performers walking across the stage before the incident unfolds in front of stunned onlookers.

SA artists face Zimbabwe backlash

The bottle attack did not happen in isolation. It is the latest flashpoint in growing hostility between some Zimbabweans and South African artists, which has escalated in recent months amid immigration tensions between the two countries.

Mzansi reacts to the footage

The video quickly drew strong reactions from South Africans and Zimbabweans alike, with opinions sharply divided:

@kirrianwest: "Everything about Zimbabwe is a mess"

@joeymaster86: "Never go perform in Harare if you South African, Bulawayo or Matebeleland vibes with SA more."

@i_am_innock: "Bam'layile."

@Khamzuzu93: "Why would you go and perform to that Zoo nation....."

@VusaImpi: "Amashona are embarrassing."

@Bafobafobafo: "They are stealing Zimbabwean jobs, and Zimbabweans are tired, guys"

Other SA artists to feel the pinch

Briefly News previously reported that other SA artists to feel the pinch of Zim's anger were Mafikizolo, who were among the first to face direct threats, with a post circulating online warning them to stay away from the Buddie Beatz Concert in Victoria Falls.

Musa Keys was dropped by organisers of the Mighty Zambezi Lager Bonfire Festival, set for Donnybrook Park in Harare on 4 July 2026, with the event's promoters announcing a shift in focus toward local Zimbabwean talent. Gospel artist Ntokozo Ngongoma also found himself removed from the CLIMA Africa Awards lineup, though unlike the other acts, he publicly voiced support for the anti-illegal immigration marches and made no apologies for his stance.