Controversial maskandi artist Khuzani Mpungose loves giving his supporters and fans something to talk about. He is very aware that his position as a public figure comes with so much responsibility and a great following. The Ijele artist recently took an HIV/AIDS test publicly and posted it on his social media to spread awareness.

TESTING

Speaking to ZiMoja, Khuzani says he has nothing to hide, not even his HIV status. "Even If the test had come out positive, which it didn’t, I would be okay with sharing my status," he says. "As an artist, I have the responsibility to encourage people to not be afraid of testing for HIV," he adds. "Gone are the days when there was a stigma attached to HIV. But I did it to also encourage people to always be safe and to protect themselves," he says. "I did the same at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. I was always taking tests and posting on social media." Khuzani says he takes an HIV/AIDS test every three months. "This time around I just decided to do it publicly."

CONTROVERSY

The maskandi singer says often when artists become ill, people tend to assume it is because of an AIDS related disease. "Yes, we do a lot of touring, and we meet a lot of women, but not all of us are reckless. People assume artists sleep around, but not all of us." Although he has never had anyone close to him open up about their HIV/AIDS status, he feels he has the responsibility to teach others. "I have not had anyone close to me become ill or die from AIDS-related illnesses, but I make sure that I encourage people to be safe. I am not sick and I know why. I also want to encourage artists to be safe." Khuzani is not bothered by the backlash and criticism on social media. "People will talk even when you do something good. I am not scared of being controversial. I live my life."

BIG DAY

Khuzani is preparing for his second annual Gcwalisa All-White Spring Picnic at Kings Park in Durban on 4 November. "People must worry about what they will be wearing at the festival and not everything else," he jokes. "The festival has a massive line-up including Cassper Nyovest, Big Zulu and DJ Tira." He also has his fragrance line that he says has been doing well.