Musician Phelo Bala drew the attention of many critics when he posted an image of him performing his duties as a traditional healer. For the longest time, people slammed celebrities and many other non-public figures for 'suddenly' becoming sangomas or traditional healers, saying they are making it fashionable.
'Urban sangomas' is what Khanyi Mbau labels them, and many agree with her. When she posted those messages on Instagram, people assumed that she was referring to Phelo Bala and the other celebrities who claim to have a calling. Phelo Bala on the other hand, responded to critics and said he accepted his calling 8 years ago.
Speaking to Zimoja, Phelo said he does not believe people are out to make a fashion statement with their callings. “I’ve never hidden my gift. My calling is nothing new. I have countless times spoken about it and shared my journey, the hardships, and what it means to me,” he told the publication.
“It’s not something you wake up to one morning and decide to pursue. It’s not a joke, it’s real life. I don’t think If I had a choice, I would choose to be a sangoma,” he added.
Phelo then responded to trolls who say people are faking this. In their defense, Phelo says this takes a whole level of mental health to accept and perform.
“Why would anyone fake something so challenging and demanding? Having this gift means you have to deal with yourself, your mental wellness and go on these intense programes to understand what you have. So, I doubt being a sangoma can ever be a fashion statement.”
Khanyi Mbau told people that they do not have a calling, they are just suffering from anxiety.
"You don't have a calling, it's anxiety!" exclaimed Khanyi Mbau. "This is the most anxious generation," she started off. "That's why we have so many sangomas… Urban sangomas," she added.
"Laugh it off, you aren't alone just get magnesium and a bit of sun B12 and have sea moss. That's the only sea you need."
Khanyi said she is not out to attack people, she is just trying to save them money. "I am not attacking you, just saving you money. Stop buying cows, chicken and goats. Instead of buying melatonin to help you sleep and to boost your serotonin so your mood is better. Magnesium tabs and lots of B12 you can be your own healer," said Khanyi.
Muzi Zuma did not appreciate Khanyi's sentiments and pointed out the inaccuracy in her statement. "UBIZO & Depression/Anxiety are VERY Different! One you can’t heal Depression with vitamins, there’s proper medication for it. Two you can’t evade a spiritual calling with Glutathione or other bleaching mechanisms! Vele Ngeke usazi isintu usawumlungu In your head!" wrote Muzi Zuma.
"Know the categories of influence that align with your brand and stick to them. Stick to skin dysmorphia and the risks of treating this, give people tips on Bling & Leaving men in Dubai and leave izinto ezithinta imisamu kuthina."
Also just because umuntu ugqoka amaBhayi doesn’t mean useyiSangoma. It also means iNdiki lakhe alisamuhluphi or uyawathanda. The same way wearing Gucci etc. doesn’t make you a slay queen or king, it could mean uyawathanda futhi uyaAfforda.
