Singer's cousin to blame

AFRO-SOUL artist Camagwini, real name Siphokazi Buti, says the hoax message about her death nearly killed her sickly grandmother Mamkwayi.

This followed after her cousin, Andiswa Buti, sent out a Facebook message about Camagwini's "untimely demise" last Wednesday. The news started a social networking frenzy.

Camagwini said Mamkwayi Buti, 75, who heard the news from neighbours, had to be stabilised after being told.

Camagwini was raised by Mamkwayi after her mother died when she was three months old.

"My grandmother was minding her own business when she was greeted by community members who came to mourn my death," Camagwini said. "She was so distraught that she collapsed."

Camagwini said she was on her way to Limpopo with her sister Phindi Alam when the drama unfolded.

Most people were not amused when they later discovered that it was a hoax. Some suspected that it was a publicity stunt by Camagwini, because she wanted to release a new album.

But Camagwini denied that it was a publicity stunt.

"There is no upcoming album," Camagwini said. "I will release (a new album) towards the end of the year, or early next year. How can I make a publicity stunt with death - of all things! Such stunts are taboo where I come from. I'm not a publicity-seeking person."

Camagwini added that her music sold itself.

"I have a very loyal following. I'm not in a hurry to get rich. If people want to punish me for what happened, so be it. It was not my own making."

She added she had not seen her cousin since the incident, but had forgiven her.

Camagwini's boss at Native Rhythms, Sipho Sithole, said: "We believe Camagwini's side of things. From our side as the recording company, it is not good for us. It looks like a publicity stunt".