Ever since the new show, Izangoma Zodumo premiered on Mzansi Magic, it has been a topic of discussion and has caused a difference on views because of the sacredness of the custom. Some are applauding the producers of the show, some feel that it is blasphemy to have it on air.The ever so bubbly and controversial singer/songwriter, Moonchild Sanelly loved the fact that the cast members are your typical South African youth, who are navigating being themselves while answering their true calling. Moonchild further states that she knows traditional healers like the ones on Izangoma Zodumo in real life and wouldn’t care what other people think if she were in the same position as them. This comes as no surprise to us because Monchild really doesn’t worry about public opinion, she lacks Abantu Bazothini Syndrome.
“#izangomazodumo is lit a and so realistic about people being people!
Young and fun!!!
If I was physically practicing, I’d be the coolest!!! I’d definitely get backlash but I wouldn’t care just like now!!! I know rock and roll thwasaz!!! It’s just on tv now!
Anyway…”
Not everyone agrees with this view, like Gigi Lamayne who expressed her disappointment in a series of Tweets about the sacrilegious nature of this reality show.The rapper accused the show and its sangoma participants of chasing clout at the disadvantage of our sacred customs, Gigi further urged people to treat these customs with care and discretion.
“So wait, ancestors love and want the attention and clout on these tv shows ?? I’m sorry, maybe I don’t understand. I know there is awareness but then there is just plain clout. This is sacred. This must be treated with care and discretion. Thoughts? ( Thread )”
“I saw this lady say plain outright that she can bewitch people if she wants. At the same time you’re healing ? How does this world collide? It’s a great talking point but let’s not forget to respect abadala.”
“They are not ornaments or tools to be used to make money and attract attention into a world of fabricated content. I’m a nobody but this has been bothering me.”
“I don’t mind the readings. For me that’s awareness. We learn. We are interested to know more about our roots. Symbolism, tradition, culture. But why are we being shown abantu abathwasayo or glam ? There is a viewers lens then there is just things we should not be seeing.”
“If it’s acting on a soapie, let it be that. But reality shows? I don’t know everything but I do know that this according to teachings from our elders is sacred. What happens ephehlweni stays there. It’s like giving a medical degree course to patients on tv. Hayi kanje.”
“Then we find freak accidents happening because people saw something to do with vinegar on tv. Teach the youth that this gift is powerful. It’s valued. It’s discreet. It’s beautiful. I’m bewildered. Teach them to connect. This isn’t a glamorous life. It’s a spiritual one.”
Last week, Ntsiki Mazwai also shared similar sentiments to Gigi, after the premiere of the series, Ntsiki posted a 2-minute clip where she bashes the show for disgracefully depicting black people as damaged for making a mockery out of their traditions.