KHUPHUKA Nezakho Maskandi Festival organiser, Lungelo Vilane said he has no control over how fans vote for their favourite maskandi stars.
He said this in the wake of the event descending into chaos when Ithwasa LeKhansela, who was expected to win, was announced as the third-place winner.
In the weeks leading up to the event, Lungelo has been updating fans with the top six rankings on his social media pages.
In the rankings, Ithwasa Lekhansela consistently appeared in first position, with Njoko taking third.
However, Ithwasa Lekhansela's announcement as third place during the festival on Saturday night, 4 May, at Curries Fountain Stadium in Durban, incited fans to throw objects on to the stage.
Watch: Khuphuka Nezakho maskandi festival turned to be a chaos. @dailysunsa pic.twitter.com/DtIyQr7yU5
— Jabulani Langa (@JabulaniL2023) May 6, 2024
The festival ended abruptly without the announcement of the second- and first-place winners.
Daily Sun understands Njoko, whose real name is Khawulani Mbambo, secured first place, winning R100 000, with Gatsheni taking second position.
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Lungelo told Daily Sun maskandi fans don't understand the voting system.
"As the event organiser, I can't manipulate the voting system. Fans voted by purchasing tickets with their favourite artists' names at Computicket," he said.
He said he will hold a media briefing on Tuesday, 7 May, to present Computicket records of the votes to emphasise the system's integrity.
Ithwasa LeKhansela, whose real name is Sibonelo Majola (50), acknowledged his fans' frustration.
Despite support from other musicians and their fans, he decided to withdraw from future Khuphuka Nezakho Maskandi Festival competitions.
Njoko thanked his and Khuzani’s fans for their support.
He also invited those who are unhappy with the results to review voting records with the event's organisers.
“I was disappointed that I didn't get a chance to celebrate my achievement on stage as the festival ended on a volatile note without the handover and celebration.
“Those who are not satisfied are welcome to come forward to event organisers to see the voting results” he said.
