TikTok bans thousands of SA accounts for violating rules
Denise Zimba. Image: Instagram
Social media users have accused media personality Denise Zimba of bullying recently deceased house vocalist Nichume Siwundla prior to her passing.
After finding out that Siwundla had passed, Twitter users immediately began the hashtag #RIPnichume before searching for any other mentions of her name.
An unidentified fan then highlighted recalling an instance in which Zimba offered up a critique about Nichume’s cover art for a single she released and called Zimba’s critique bullying.
In the tweet, which was posted in April, Zimba asked: “No disrespect to the artist BUT … For a DEBUT single, do you think that this is of great standard… who approved this art work? …”
Denise Zimba tweeted this about Nichume, many fans are blaming her for Nichume's death saying she cyber bullied the star#RipNichume pic.twitter.com/W0I0YUpodx
— Bo𝓀ℯ𝓃𝓏a (@Bokenza1) June 7, 2019
She then expanded on her discussion by sharing images of other local albums and cover art for single releases before engaging her followers in a discussion.
https://twitter.com/MissDeniseZimba/status/1114177427448713219
So are you telling me Singles are one standard and album another? What are you saying?
— Denise Zimba (@MissDeniseZimba) April 5, 2019
So is it the label that upholds the standard? And as a label – calling yourself a label – is this how one reps their artist? First entry to the world?
— Denise Zimba (@MissDeniseZimba) April 5, 2019
The entire picture, is interesting… the selected picture, the font, the editing. But if you don’t see anything wrong then it’s alright. Thanx
— Denise Zimba (@MissDeniseZimba) April 5, 2019
Nichume seemingly did not respond to Zimba’s critique, but her collaborator, Mobi Dixxon, came to her defence with a retort about Zimba’s vocal ability to which Nichume responded with an emoji.
Or maybe you are jealous that @nichumesings sings better than you!
— Mobi Dixon (@mobidixon) May 20, 2019
https://twitter.com/nichumesings/status/1130350856237395968
Fans have since dredged up that exchange and blamed Zimba for Nichume’s death, especially after hearing that she may have committed suicide.
Others have even tweeted vulgar wishes towards the star who is currently expecting her first child.
April 5 : *Denise Zimba weighs in on #RIPnichume 's art work*
May 31: * Nichume tag teams with Denise Zimba in blasting the SAMAS*
June 7: *Mikateko from Twitter with Pressa Phusha Phanda Bio convicts #DeniseZimba of murder* pic.twitter.com/pVMjnyVIIv
— M.D.U (@MduDlamini_) June 7, 2019
Did I see somewhere written Denise Zimba must have miscarriage cos of her role in Nichume death?
— Mpho Alex (@mphoalex11) June 7, 2019
There have been those who have come to Zimba’s defence, however.
So a post from April 5th made Nichume commit suicide. Denise Zimba is being crucified for being honest about that cover. There's bigger problems in the world guys. Depression is taking our artists and y'all are busy with BS #RIPNichume
— J U S ' D O U G (@jusdoug_) June 7, 2019
https://twitter.com/NaVhugala/status/1136959696429101061
Especially now
— Mandi (@mandielydie) June 7, 2019
The fact that people are pinning Nichume's suicide on Denise Zimba is completely outrageous!
— Theresita (@phindiziqubu) June 7, 2019
https://twitter.com/ines_daisy/status/1136969254656466944
People should leave Denise Zimba alone tho… Wtf?!
This is also cyber-bullying and the girl is pregnant for goodness sake!!!— Sbulele Malgas (@Ntshozi) June 7, 2019
The Citizen is currently attempting to contact Zimba for comment.
READ NEXT: ‘Bhutiza’ vocalist Nichume passes on
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