John Vuli Gate’ Stars Mampara A Jazz Claim They Were Kidnapped in Ethiopia — Festival Organisers Fire Back!

South African hitmakers Mampara A Jazz, famous for their viral anthem John Vuli Gate, found themselves at the centre of international drama this past weekend after claims surfaced that they were allegedly kidnapped and assaulted during a music festival in Ethiopia.

The duo took to social media with alarming posts pleading for help. “Guys we are in Ethiopia, please pray for us so that we may not see someone without a chin,” one post read, accompanied by a graphic image of one member with a swollen face and a long scar. The posts quickly sparked panic among fans and even drew the attention of South Africa’s head of public diplomacy, Clayson Monyela, who assured followers that the situation was being investigated.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: WATCH| Skeem Saam Star Samukele Mkhize Marries Her Venda Businessman

Adey Fest Organisers Respond: “Claims Are Completely False”

Krinfund, the company behind Adey Fest in Addis Ababa, has since hit back, calling the kidnapping and assault reports “completely false.” In an official statement, the organisers said:

“The artists successfully performed at Adey Fest on Saturday, October 26, and peacefully departed from the city on Sunday, October 27. They were escorted by our official Krinfund events team throughout their stay and departure. At no point were the artists harmed, threatened or placed in any unsafe situation.”

According to the statement, Mampara A Jazz were safely escorted out of Addis Ababa at 8am on Sunday, putting any fears of foul play to rest—at least according to the organisers.

Mampara A Jazz Silence Leaves Fans Speculating

Following the official response, South African entertainment outlet SurgeZirc SA reached out to Mampara A Jazz for comment, but did not receive a reply. Fans remain split online, some questioning the validity of the posts while others are expressing concern over the duo’s well-being.

The story is still developing, and updates will be shared if Mampara A Jazz respond. For now, the drama around the John Vuli Gate hitmakers in Ethiopia remains a hot topic across South African social media.

---

For More, Follow SurgeZirc SA On  Facebook, X,  Instagram and Bluesky