Thami AkaMbongo Manzana: An open apology to our supporters, fans, friends, families, and communities.

To our dear supporters, fans, friends, parents, families, and community members who have stood by us through it all, we owe you an apology.

In this cutthroat industry, where it’s often a dog-eat-dog world, many of us as artists have lost sight of what truly matters.

We’ve been blinded by the limelight, chasing relevance instead of caring for those who were there for us before we ever saw a stage, a screen, or a spotlight.

We’ve disrespected the same people who will be the first to lift us up when we fall – and for that, we are deeply sorry.

The industry doesn’t care about our well-being. It thrives on competition, fame, and self-preservation, and in chasing these things, many of us as artists have become selfish, pushing away the very people who truly have our best interests at heart.

We’ve allowed the pursuit of status and recognition to blind us to the sacrifices you have made for us. We forget that it is your belief in us, your encouragement, and your love that keeps us going, even when the industry tries to tear us apart.

We are grateful for those of you who have continued to support us, even when we haven’t made it yet, even when our behaviour or actions have been disappointing.

Thank you for believing in us despite our shortcomings. Your unwavering support is not for likes, social media attention, or praise – it is rooted in love, in faith, in something deeper that only God and our ancestors can truly reward you for.

As artists, it’s time we humble ourselves and ask for your forgiveness.

 We are not in Hollywood. We are not “celebrities” by any measure, especially when so many of us are struggling – financially, mentally, and emotionally.

The fame, the lights, the followers mean nothing if we cannot honour the people who have been there from the beginning, the ones who will still be there when the lights dim and the applause fades.

We need to do better. We need to share our pain, our struggles, and our truth, not just with each other, but with the communities that have supported us through it all.

We ask for your understanding, your forgiveness, and your continued belief in us, as we work to become better, more grounded, and more grateful.

Thank you for being our pillars of strength. Thank you for your patience. And thank you for your unconditional love.

We promise to do better and never forget where we come from or the people who made us who we are.

With humility and gratitude, 

Child of the Dog eat Dog Industry

Thami AkaMbongo Manzana
thami@akambongo.co.za
AkaMbongo Foundation Pty Ltd
http://www.akambongo.co.za

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Thami AkaMbongo Manzana writes on his personal capacity.