Zambian vlogger Simon Mwewa faced backlash on his Facebook page after he made what many considered “insensitive” comments regarding drunk driving shortly after the tragic accident involving musician Dandy Crazy. The accident, which occurred near Kapiri on the Great North Road, resulted in the deaths of four people, including Dandy Crazy, who succumbed to his injuries the following morning.
Following the news of the accident, Mwewa posted a message criticizing Zambian artists for drinking and driving, stating, “Imwe vima Zambian artistes, don’t drink and drive you dunda heads.” Despite harsh criticism from the public and fellow entertainers, he reiterated his stance, warning the artists, “You dunda head artistes, don’t drink and drive. Muzafa (you will die).”
Mwewa’s comments sparked outrage on social media, with numerous celebrities and influencers expressing their disapproval. Prominent Zambians criticized his remarks as insensitive and inappropriate, particularly in light of the circumstances surrounding Dandy Crazy’s death. Comments ranged from expressions of disappointment to calls for greater emotional intelligence in public discourse.
In response to Mwewa’s remarks, the Ministry of Sports, Youth and Arts called for an apology, stating that his comments were disrespectful and undermined the efforts of the creative community in Zambia. The ministry emphasized the need for a constructive approach to address any issues within the arts sector rather than resorting to public humiliation.
Despite the significant backlash, Mwewa stood firm in his views, asserting that his post was not specifically directed at Dandy Crazy but was aimed at raising awareness about responsible driving. He expressed a commitment to holding individuals accountable for unsafe behavior on the roads, stating, “Today you hate me, but eventually you will understand the real message. Don’t drink and drive.” He maintained that he would not apologize for advocating responsible driving among Zambian artists.