“I ALMOST quit music.”
Those were the words of maskandi and reality TV star Mayoghurt.
He said there was a time when negative comments nearly pushed him out of the music industry.
The Mzansi Magic Short and Sweet star said some people mocked his dancing style and stage performances.
He said that as a person living with dwarfism, some people judged him based on his appearance.
Hurt by cruel comments
“People will always have different views and opinions. That was the case with me. After I released my first music, there were people who laughed at me. Some even used social media to make nasty jokes about my stage performance.
That was painful. If I wasn’t emotionally strong, I would have quit. But some people supported me. Those people encouraged me to continue showing Mzansi what I’m capable of despite my condition. That’s why I’m still releasing music,
— said Mayoghurt, whose real name is Mongezi Jama (24) from Umzimkhulu on the KZN South Coast.
He released his first music in 2023.
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Fans kept him going
His songs, including Ngiyamthanda Udali, Icala Lomjolo, Otshwaleni and Ibhinca Lami, have received airplay on radio stations.
He said he believes in himself and credits event promoters for helping to grow his music career.
I get gigs and that tells me that people who love music enjoy my music, so I give them exactly what they need, and that encourages me even more.
— MaYoghurt
“I get gigs and that tells me music fans enjoy my music. I give them exactly what they need, and that encourages me even more.
“Although I don’t regard myself as a person living with a disability, I know I’m an inspiration to others who’ve been told they can’t do certain things,” said Mayoghut, who is also known as iBliss KaZwelonke.
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New album, new chapter
He recently released an album titled Yayiqabulana Noswidi.
He said the album reflects the challenges he has faced as a musician and in previous romantic relationships.
- “There’s a song titled Ngilimele. It’s emotional, but its aim is to heal people who have been hurt.
- This song reminds me of where I’ve been as an entertainer. It also reminds me of how strong I am as a person.
- I’m proud of myself for not letting the negative comments discourage me," he said.
