The launch of the SABC2 soapie Muvhango at Fourways in Johannesburg last week Thursday was not without its fair share of drama. Following the introduction of new characters, including Leleti Khumalo, and a fresh storyline, there was side drama. Afro-soul singer Csana was on stage performing her hitsong Ndobeleni for the media and guests when she went into a trance on stage.

ONLOOKERS WERE LEFT IN DISMAY 

The performance was interrupted for several minutes after Csana, whose real name is Nonguquko Mlaza, collapsed on stage, claiming to have been ’attacked by the spirits’. The singer, hailing from the Eastern Cape, fell to her knees and then lay on her back, leaving the audience in shock. She told ZiMoja that she was prepared for what happened. "The last time I went into trance, I was recording the same song, but there was no audience. My management team panicked and thought I needed medical attention," she said. It seems the audience was not the only ones who were taken by surprise. Her band members were also in disbelief when she started shaking while on stage. One of the organisers quickly went to the bar to get water for her, but it turned out she did not need any water. 

ATTACKED IN THE PAST FOR ’IMITATING’ LIKE ZAHARA

When asked if she is a sangoma, Csana said she is not comfortable discussing her spiritual journey at the moment. "I have always been told I have a special calling, which is something I have struggled to accept because I believe that music is my calling. "The gift I have is from the higher powers but I have learned to accept that there are certain things that are beyond my control and need my attention," said Csana. 

Over a year ago, ZiMoja reported that the singer was attacked by festival goers while performing on stage at a June 16 event, citing that she was pretending to be Zahara. "I love and respect Zahara. I don’t even think I sound like her. The fact that I also play guitar doesn’t mean I am mimicking her style," she said at the time.