“Amanda Black Looks Fine on a Normal Phone”: South Africans Divided on Amanda Black’s Latest Look at Maseru Jazz Festival
Award-winning singer-songwriter Amanda Black has found herself on the sticky side of social media after her appearance at the Masuru Jazz Festival between 24 and 25 September 2023 raised eyebrows.
The former Idols SA contestant was among a stud-studded roster of musicians which included singers Nathi and Mafikizolo, among others. The two-day spectacle took place at Maseru Park in Mahikeng.
For her set, Black came out wearing a multi-coloured short dress with black tights showing underneath. An X user posted a photo of her performing on stage, commenting: “I paid R250 for a ticket and Amanda Black came like this last night ko Maseru Jazz Festival.”
South Africans were polarised on Amanda’s appearance at the show. One side criticised the image quality as not being an accurate reflection of the singer’s true nature, whereas others were a little less forgiving, questioning her professionalism.
Best-selling author of the Hlomu series Dudu Busani-Dube defended the singer’s look, commenting that “We are not porcelain dolls. We are not barbie dolls. We have actual talent.” She also remarked that her singing voice was the only “thing she [was] supposed to bring.”
@JesseFJacobs shared a video of Amanda Black at the show and stood by her, posting: “Amanda Black looks fine on a normal phone, the person who took that photo on the other post was using a brick”
@African_Spring shared her thoughts, saying: “You guys are mad that Amanda Black showed up to perform as herself without any fake things attached to her. Are you for real?”
Others were not so favourable.
@Ms_LebouxM didn’t feel the aesthetic and said: “Amanda Black is known for her traditional outfits and Xhosa face dots… She embraced her culture and being and looked gorgeous. She didn’t look like a porcelain doll. This look over here is not her.”
@SimthoBiyela posted before-and-after pictures of Amanda, stating: “From this to that ai!!! Guys we need to be honest to each other, even if Amanda Blackwanted to look natural and all that but this can’t be it. She doesn’t need to look like her problems.”