Johannesburg – Former Rhythm City actor Ishmauel Songo has taken to social media to vehemently deny rumours of his death, branding the fabricated stories as "sickening and ludicrous." The actor, aged 31, addressed the swirling rumours in a video posted on Sunday, March 9th, clarifying that this wasn't the first time he had been the subject of false and damaging claims.
Songo, who recently landed a role in Mzansi Magic’s new drama series, Cobrizi, alongside Presley Chweneyagae, Chrispen Nyathi, Sive Mabuya, and Thembsie Matu, expressed his dismay at the persistence of these fabricated stories.
“Apparently, I'm deceased. Well, according to social media," Songo said in his video. He went on to detail the previous false claims that have circulated about him over the years.
“So, the first time around, they said that I was a drug addict. They picmixed my picture with a picture of one of the roles I played, obviously being a drug addict, considering the fact that I'm a storyteller." Songo explained how his acting roles had been twisted and used against him.
“Shortly after that, they then went on social media and said that I've lost my house and I'm living on the streets. How they even knew I had a house, I don't know,” he added, highlighting the absurdity of the rumours.
The actor said it's upsetting that people would make up such rumours.
“The third time around, which is now, they are saying I’ve died. Now, the younger version of me would’ve acted somehow and tried to find out who would think of me in that nature. But the Ishmauel Songo of today is way too smart and way too mature." Songo explained how he has matured over the years and has learned to deal with the negativity.
“I mean, if there’s any attention coming my way, be it negative or positive, it means I’m relevant. But for me, it's absolutely sickening and ludicrous that you take your time, so much time to paint a picture and say this is what's happening, but unfortunately, this person has passed away,” he said.
Despite the upsetting nature of the rumours, Songo remained defiant, asserting that he would not be deterred from his purpose.
Ishmauel said he won’t die anytime soon.
“I’m still going to live. I’m not going anywhere. I’m here on earth for a purpose and to change people's lives through the art of storytelling. So, if you want me to die, it won’t happen."
Songo concluded his message with a direct reassurance to his loved ones, fans, and family.
“I'm just putting it out there to my loved ones, my fans and my family that I’m still breathing. I’m alive,” the actor said.
