Makhadzi apologises for offending deaf community during music video shoot

Award winning musician Ndivhudzannyi “Makhadzi” Ralivhona has apologised after facing criticism for offending the deaf community during the shooting of her recent music video.

The South African sign language digital learning platform demanded an apology from the singer, saying her actions were disrespectful to the deaf community in her music video for the song Jealous Down. 

The controversy arose after a short clip of the video was shared on TikTok by one of the people featured in it, Andile Ngidi. In the video, Makhadzi appears to be translating the words of Ngidi using sign language in a playful manner. However, it was pointed out that the signs used were not accurate and do not adhere to proper sign language grammar.

“By doing the sign gestures, Makhadzi did not only mock our language or disrespect our culture, but she taught her million fans that 'this is normal', which is unacceptable in deaf culture. Deaf people don't accept sign gestures. Making a mockery of a language so rich in history and culture is making a mockery of its people and the struggles they have endured,” sign language mentor Dieumercy Asan said.

With September being deaf awareness month, Asan argued Makhadzi, with her immense platform and influence, could have used this opportunity to raise awareness about sign language and the deaf community.

“Makhadzi could use her platform to raise awareness of the struggles of deaf people and encourage hearing individuals to positively participate in the culture, not be part of the oppressors. If she wanted to include sign language in her video she would have hired an interpreter to show her how to sign; that way, it shows inclusion. When doing any work related to deaf people or sign languages it would be advisable to have a deaf person or an accredited hearing interpreter present to educate individuals about the deaf community, sign language and deaf culture.”

In response to the criticism, Makhadzi expressed remorse and apologised for the offence caused. She will issue a public apology next week and will ask the individuals featured in the music video to remove the clip from TikTok.

“There are many things that happen without knowing how people will take it. As someone who is in the entertainment industry this was part of acting without knowing how it will affect other people. However, if people are affected by a certain act, I must understand and accept I was wrong.

“I am willing to send a public apology, I didn't mean to hurt anyone. I had no intention to hurt anyone from the deaf community. As someone who has been bullied, I understand how painful it is and that others didn't take what I did well. I'm taking accountability for that. Hence, I'm willing to send a public apology, but I do apologise for that, I had no bad intention. I will release a statement next week.”