Rising South African singer Credo V Daniels has found himself at the centre of a social media storm after clips from a recent live performance on eNCA circulated online, prompting criticism from viewers and reigniting debates about the challenges artists face when transitioning from the studio to the stage.
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The singer, whose debut album Still Where We Were has enjoyed considerable success and amassed a growing fanbase, faced scrutiny after viewers compared his live vocals to the polished sound heard on his recorded tracks.
Clips shared across social media platforms quickly went viral, with some users expressing disappointment and others questioning whether the artist relies heavily on artificial intelligence-assisted production techniques.
The complete performance in 4K UHD
😭😭🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/2LCxklNNX4 https://t.co/ubjxAMAb8u
— Tempy Pusha (@Gert_LeNinja) July 3, 2026
Social media reacts to Credo V Daniels’ performance
As the clips gained traction online, South Africans weighed in with a mix of criticism, jokes, and words of encouragement. Some social media users suggested that the performance did not meet expectations set by Daniels’ studio recordings, while others defended the artist, arguing that live performances often present challenges that cannot be replicated in a recording studio.
The online conversation soon expanded beyond Daniels himself, sparking broader discussions about authenticity in modern music and the growing use of artificial intelligence tools in music production.
I’m crying 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭https://t.co/8e8A3IRj0K
— Tempy Pusha (@Gert_LeNinja) July 3, 2026
Credo has balls man . pic.twitter.com/ERfYHC9oln
— Thandubuntu (@Solphendukaa) July 3, 2026
Whoever is advising Credo to perform live when they know his music is made with AI doesn’t love him. 😭😂 https://t.co/84zlEAt69F pic.twitter.com/FBAeVGLKn3
— Ayarh 🍒 (@AyandaYandiey) July 3, 2026
Also see: Bongani Fassie’s latest performance sparks debate over talent, legacy and live TV standards
Credo V Daniels responds
In response to the criticism, Daniels addressed the backlash in a now-deleted Instagram post, writing: “Yeah, I missed a note, it happens live. On to the next show.”
The AI debate continues
The backlash has also renewed public discussion around the role of artificial intelligence in music production. Daniels has previously acknowledged using AI as a tool in his creative process, particularly for backing vocals and choir arrangements, while maintaining that it does not replace his artistry.
“I think it’s a tool. If you can use it, use it. But not fully,” Daniels previously said during an interview, explaining that AI serves as a supplementary resource rather than a substitute for creativity, reports IOL.
Looking ahead
Despite the criticism, Daniels remains one of South Africa’s emerging music talents, with his debut album continuing to gain traction among listeners. His management has indicated that lessons learned from the performance will be used to improve future live shows as the artist continues to develop his stagecraft.
For many observers, the incident highlights the growing pressures faced by new artists navigating the expectations of audiences in an era where studio perfection and live authenticity are increasingly being compared side by side.
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