Former Idols 2019 runner up, Sinenhlanhla 'Sneziey' Msomi has opened up about claims she is a sangoma.
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The gospel music singer caused a frenzy on her social media when she posted a picture of herself wearing isphandla (a traditional wristband made from goat or cow skin).
The Umlazi-born musician thought nothing of the snap when she posted it, but before she knew it she was getting questions about her ancestral calling. Others started congratulating her for being a sangoma, and others questioned her spirituality; assuming she had dumped her faith as a Christian and gospel musician.
In response to these questions and claims, the Izulu singer explained that she does not owe anyone an explanation, however she poured cold water on the claims. In an Instagram post, and in her mother tongue, IsiZulu, she explained that she is still a Christian and she loves Jesus very much.
"Dear Christians, I am not a sangoma and I have not gone through any initiation process (ukuthwasa).
"I, Sinenhlanhla Msomi, am a born again Christian and I love Jesus, but I am also a child at the Msomi household. I was raised here and the Msomis perform traditional and cultural ceremonies, so I would never go as far a questioning that," she explained.
The singer went on to explain that her fans will still see her wearing isiphandla. She added that her family is still planning umemulo for her, which is a coming of age ceremony.
"I will not defy the rules in this household, instead I will humble myself. Remember what our Bible says about respect? It does not only apply to our pastors or the church, but also to our parents who raised us," the singer said.
When it comes to family, Sneziey puts them first and values them a lot. During her days as an Idols contestant in 20i9, she would always speak very fondly about her grandmother who raised her. Sadly, she started the year off on a painful note with the passing of her grandmother. She took to her Instagram page to break the news, posting a touching picture of their joined hands in what looked like a hospital bed with her grandmother's drip on her hand. The musician said she would forever hold onto the words of her grandmother's last prayer in which she said only God is faithful.
The musician and her grandmother were tight-knit and Sneziey always wanted to make her proud. Speaking to ZAlebs Sneziey said she draws her inspiration from her grandmother who has been the pillar of her strength. The singer and her grandmother made headlines in 2019 after they were accused of owning otokoloshe, and Sne was quick to debunk the rumors. The rumors surfaced on social media after she was accused of bullying the Qwabe Twins.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Sneziey defended both of them and said they are both not evil: "Me and my gogo (grandmother) are not evil. I don't have a Tokoloshe and my Gogo doesn't own one. I'm a praying woman, Dumi Mkokstad(Gospel singer) and Jumbo can attest to this because they taught me how to pray."
"I wish my mother was still alive so she can speak on my behalf. I've decided to fight my battles without involving my gogo or any of my family members. This is because I'm the one who entered Idols. Therefore I'm going to fight on my own."
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Image credit: Instagram