Mixed reactions on Smallz’ comeback
MBABANE – Mixed reactions on his comeback.
Social media went abuzz after a poster which had its details written in Portuguese, suggested that Smallz The Comedian, whose real name is Lungelo Gina, would be the Master of Ceremonies ( MC) on an event dubbed ‘ South African artists and modelos Swazis perfilam.’
The poster indicated that the event would be hosted on July 31, 2021, at Restaurant Espaco Baliu, Maputo.
A few weeks ago, Smallz officially announced that he would be taking a break from the industry.
His decision came after a series of allegations were made about him.
Some people expressed their excitement and others felt he had to wait for justice to prevail.
Encouraged
One of t he comments f r om t he users encouraged the comedian.
“Go make us proud young man. I do understand all the allegations, but you are not guilty until proven by the courts. Why should you wait for the law to take its course. This young man makes a living through his craft, we need to support him and we shall not stop until proven guilty,” it read.
An o t h e r c o mment f r o m P h i l a concurred with the aforementioned.
It read, “We do not know the final decision on this matter, the cancel culture has affected so many brands. I think people do not understand the negative impact they can have on one’s brand. What this young man has been through is devastating. He also needs to make a living and we have no right to judge him or crucify him because of an allegation. We need to be truthful and be real. We will handle the situation once we know the ruling of the case.”
While others were encouraging the comedian, some shared that it was too soon.
“The allegations are sensitive and this is a matter that has touched so many people and I think he should lay low until the final verdict,” read a comment.
Speaking t o Smallz, he said he confirmed the booking of being MC at a show that would take place in Mozambique.
Engagement
“Locally I took a hard decision to limit my public engagement activities as a comedian. It was not an easy decision, but I had to take it. Let me also take this opportunity to state that, in light of everything that has happened, the allegations l e vel l e d a gai nst me, a nd having my name i mplicated, t o send my sincerest apologies to the nation, affected families, my fans, corporate institutions, sponsors of my work, the Arts industry, my colleagues and those who looked up to me. I request everyone to find it in their hearts to accept my apology,” he said.
Smallz added; “Obviously, this has taken too much of me, I have taken a l ot of i nsults. Having my name implicated in such allegations has serious implications which have led to many of you having to doubt me, and my brand.
“This moment has given me time t o r ef l ect and carefully examine myself. The manner in which the public responded to the allegations made about me opened my eyes. It has been a l earning curve for me that has taught me valuable lessons.
I, therefore, don’t blame anyone. I want to assure my fans that I will continue hoisting the Eswatini flag high”.
T h e M e r c h a n t s o f Bottomless laught e r a l s o c o n - firmed that Lung e l o ‘ S m a l l z The Comedian’ G i n a w a s s t i l l part of their team, however, undergoing internal disciplinary processes.
Requested
“He has been requeste d t o b e M a s t e r C e r - e moni e s ( MC) a t P e n n y
Ch a r i t y F o u n d a t i o n i n Mozambique, an event t hat will feature South African artists, models from Eswatini and others in Mozambique. The event is set to take place at Restaurant Espaco Bali, Maputo. We want t o s t a t e t hat we are cognizant of the current situation surrounding ‘ Smallz The Comedian, but aft er f oll owing all due processes to this far, he hasn’t been convicted of any crime”.
T h e m a n a g e m e n t t e a m stated that while observing t he si t uation, t he comedian’s public appearances and performances remained limited. However, the quest to be an MC was an opportunity he took on his personal capacity which he could not turn down given the scope of duties and the clientele there.
Local designers that will be showcasing their craft include Millennium Trends, Ntsiki’s Designs and Starring Designs to mention but a few.
It is worth noting that the event will also see t he t hr i l l i ng perf ormances of Mnation, F e z z o a n d DJ T P Z from South Africa