Award-winning Afro-pop musician Asanda 'Msaki' Mvana says her relationship with radio personality and TV presenter Smash Afrika nearly ruined her career. 

BULLIED FOR LOVE

Last year, she found herself trending following reports that she was involved in an extramarital affair with the 5FM and Massive Music presenter Smash Afrika. Sitting with Relebogile Mobotja on her podcast Unpacked, Msaki told the radio presenter that Smash Afrika did not protect her and her reputation. She said as the result of the affair she lost millions because she had to cancel gigs and was bullied.

SHE WAS NEVER THE OTHER WOMAN

She also explained that she has nothing to do with Smash Afrika's divorce because he was already separated from his ex-wife, Kefiloe Mdutyulwa, who is also Rami Chaune's daughter. Msaki said she felt Smash Sfrika did not protect her. When he was given right to reply by media he intentionally ignored the questions and told her that he wouldn't speak to tabloids or media and that they could go ahead and write anything instead of explaining that she had nothing to do with his failed marriage, "When he received the call, we were together and his stunt was that he doesn't speak to the media or tabloids," she said. 

HE DIDN'T CARE

But according to Msaki, Smash was just blasé about the implication of the article. "He explained that once you engage with the media, they will want more. It is like opening a can of worms," Msaki said. Although he explained, Msaki said she is angry at the fact that he didn't want to take charge of his own story. "Even my friends were mad at him; they were like, dude, take charge and be a man," she added. Her fears were confirmed when the story broke; she was portrayed and labelled as a home wrecker, which she said also broke her career and character. "I still have a sick feeling in my stomach from that day, because I was cited as a woman who broke a marriage," she added. She said after the story came out; she lost a lot of money as partners pulled out. "I lost R10 million in a space of two months; the scandal affected my momentum as an artist and I didn't have the ability to do shows. I started pulling out on shows and returning money."

THEIR RELATIONSHIP DID NOT SURVIE THE SCANDAL

She said a month after the story broke, her relationship with Smash also ended. "After the story came out, it was followed by name-calling and bullying from the public. After the bullying and name-calling, Smash still refused to address the rumours and clear my name. He seemed to enjoy his newly found fame, and his followers were increasing while I was still trapped in a morally bankrupt state," she added. Zimoja tried to reach Smash Afrika but he could not be reached for comment.