Naledi Aphiwe admits ‘romance’ with Mawelele was staged: “It was all publicity”
Rising star Naledi Aphiwe has lifted the lid on one of Mzansi’s most talked-about celebrity “relationships”, confirming that her much-hyped romance with fellow singer Mawelele was never real – but a carefully planned PR stunt.
The 19-year-old, who shot to fame after being sampled by US R&B star Chris Brown, told Sowetan that the supposed love story with Mawelele was created to push their hit duet Romeo & Juliet. The strategy worked: the song went on to become a chart-topper and clinched Best African Pop Song at the Metro FM Music Awards in May.
Mawelele had not responded to Sowetan’s calls and texts on the matter at the time of publication.
“We never dated… it was all staged”
Naledi is now coming clean, explaining that the images and moments that had fans convinced they were a couple were all part of a marketing plan.
“We were together [for our music], but we never dated. If you look closely at our pictures, you won’t see any kissing ones; it was all staged. It was all publicity for our music and I thank everyone for believing in it.
“So, yes, I’m not, and never was, in a relationship with Mawelele. The only thing Mawelele would do was kiss me on the forehead, but that was it.”
She revealed that both she and Mawelele are actually in relationships with other people – and that their real partners had grown frustrated with the act.
“We both have partners and I think it’s time we both respect them by coming clean. We couldn’t carry on like we were dating when we have partners. It was getting to a point where our partners couldn’t understand that we had to do certain things to convince the public we were a couple, especially Mawelele’s partner, who was already tired of the stunt.”
The “fake couple” storyline was kept up for most of 2025, with fans and followers analysing their posts and appearances, believing they were watching a real romance unfold.
Music goes on: “Nothing has changed”
Despite the staged dating saga, Naledi insists there is no bad blood between the two artists and that their professional partnership remains strong.
“Nothing has changed. This was a stunt we had to keep up with for most of 2025. However, we will continue to release music together. We actually have a song titled, Come Duze, that we are going to release soon.”
The star says she is focused on building her catalogue and expanding her sound, even as she clears up the narrative around her private life.
A breakthrough year: “It exceeded my expectations”
Looking back on 2025, Naledi describes it as a year where her dreams not only came true, but went far beyond what she had imagined.
“I’m grateful for all that happened. All that I desired and wanted happened and exceeded my expectations. One standout moment was winning a Metro FM Music Award. It was my first time being nominated and it was a big win for me.
“It also meant so much for my people back home [in Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal].”
Just a year earlier, her life looked very different.
“Very humbling, because in 2024, I was in high school and I came to Johannesburg last year. I went from being in a school uniform to being recognised by musicians I used to look up to in the entertainment industry.
“Their love and support gave me the motivation to keep going and to solidify my voice more with my music.”
From idolising stars to calling them friends
Naledi speaks with pride about how some of the artists she once idolised have now become her mentors and close allies in the industry.
“Definitely Cici and Blaq Diamond. These are people I looked up to. As a young artist, I’m so grateful that I can share the space with people I used to idolise. I’m happy to say that now I’m friends with them. I even have Cici’s number in my phone.
“I get to call her when I need any assistance. I also travel often with Blaq Diamond — they are like my brothers.”
She says that kind of support has helped her navigate fame and the pressure that comes with sudden success at a young age.
“I’m tired of boxing myself in”: new sounds on the way
While many fans know Naledi for her smooth R&B feel, she says 2026 will be about reinvention and experimentation.
“Who would you like to collaborate with next?
“I’d like to work with Zee Nxumalo as well as Thatohatsi, Kelvin Momo, Babalwa M, and Nontokozo Mkhize. The plan for this year is to do something new; I’m tired of boxing myself in and singing just R&B. I want people to see a new version of me.
“I’m going to try out new genres, from amapiano to three-step.”
Her wish-list shows a clear interest in the sounds dominating South African youth culture, and suggests that fans can expect a bolder, more adventurous side to her music.
“Chris Brown changed my whole life”
Before the staged romance, awards and sold-out shows, Naledi’s life took a dramatic turn when Chris Brown sampled her voice on his 11:11 album – a moment she still credits as the catalyst for everything that followed.
“How did it affect you when Chris Brown sampled your voice on his 11:11 album?
“I always say that I’m here all because of Chris Brown. He changed my whole life. Him sampling my voice opened so many doors for me — I wouldn’t be here if he hadn’t recognised my voice.”
From a high school learner in Inanda to an award-winning artist navigating PR stunts, real relationships and genre shifts, Naledi Aphiwe’s rise has been fast and complicated.
Now, by admitting that her “Romeo & Juliet” romance with Mawelele was scripted for the spotlight, she is drawing a line between performance and reality – and making it clear that, going forward, she wants the focus back where it started: on the music.
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