Award-winning musician Russell Zuma released a statement after internet users claimed that he had passed away.
The Durban-born musician is not the first artist to become a victim of a social media death hoax, as at the time of Malome Vector’s passing news had been spreading that another artist Ntate Stunna was involved in the car accident which later came out to be fake news.
The death hoax was first made on Facebook where the user stated that the musician was pronounced dead in a car accident leading people to think that Russell had died.
Guys Russell Zuma hasn’t passed on the tweet bellow is false pic.twitter.com/EINDObqSLQ
— South african pop culture news (@dripdripdripd) August 6, 2024
The spread of misinformation news has affected many people as some families deal with the after-effects of losing their loved ones.
Taking to his Instagram, his record label Theko Entertainment clarified that Russell was alive and well and working on new music and that the death hoax was indeed fake news.
As mzansi mourns the recent death of veteran actress Connie Chiume, the record label said, “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with all those currently mourning their loved ones. We understand the emotional weight such news can carry, and we sincerely hope for sensitivity and caution in handling matters.”
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Taking to his comment section Instagram users said:
One user said: “If you are alive, release the album in the next hour.”
Another user commented: “I’m ready to release your vocals to the world for nearly 2 years requesting you be not just a local hero but a global one.”
One user commented: “Russel released the statement.”
Also see: Tributes pour in for the late actress Connie Chiume: ‘RIP Diva!’
