‘ If your brand is strong, they’ll say you’re getting tenders’

JOHANNESBURG - ‘ Congo Congo’ hitmaker Shimza has told fans f o c u s i n g o n b u i l d i n g y o u r b r a n d can lead you to the haters showing t heir colours when success comes knocking.

The star has often battled claims that he owes his success to political connections, and took to social media t his week t o again address t he rumours head- on.

“Bro, focus and build a brand! Too many bags out there for you if your brand i s st r ong enough, t r ust me! They will be saying you even doing baloyi ba,” tenders that don’t exist he told fans.

While s ome a gr e e d, ot her s s a i d he was doing ‘ damage control’ and knew deep down where his bread was buttered.

Shimza was at the centre of a social media storm earlier this year when h i s r e s t a u r a n t , Th e Han g Awt i n Thembisa, was chosen as the venue for the minister of tourism’s cookoff with media personality Somizi Mhlongo- Motaung.

The star was accused of ‘ unethically benefitting’ from his political connections to secure the deal.

He responded by labelling one of his critics as ‘ toxic’ and referring all questions to the department.

“Fix your heart brother, you are a very toxic human being. If it is answers you want, ask the Department of Tourism.

“They asked f or a venue and we agreed, full stop. No amount of finger- pointing will make your statement true,” Shimza said.

He also addressed the claims of political connections in a tweet last year, telling a follower that many celebs don’t comment on politics because they will be accused of getting tenders.