By Tamlyn Canham
DJ Zinhle is defending Cassper Nyovest after some social media users questioned why he was giving his new sneakers to celebrities.
The rapper launched his new collaboration with Drip Footwear to much fanfare this month. But some people are upset that he was gifting The Roof Of Fame .990 sneakers to his celebrity friends.
Some of the stars who received Cassper’s new sneakers include Mihlali Ndamase, Kefilwe Mabote, Ntando Duma, and Oskido.
“I learn from the legends. A few days ago I delivered grootmans pair of 990s and then boom, he bought 10 pairs on the spot. He told me he is proud of me and I should keep going. God Bless Oskido!!! I am part of the Oskido Economy,” Cassper captioned a picture with Oskido.
READ: Lesson learned! Mihlali Ndamase apologises for ‘looting Merc’ tweet
Prince Kaybee throws shade
Some social media users felt he should give his sneakers to his fans instead.
“Not Cassper Nyovest giving away shoes to people who can afford 20 pairs without hurting their pockets and ignore true fans who comment everyday begging for a pair. Prince Kaybee got a point,” one Twitter user wrote.
The tweep was referring to a post shared by Prince Kaybee about celebrities being disconnected from their fans.
“Another thing about celebrities is the disconnect to the fans, they can’t seem to put back value where they got it from. For instance, you give away samples to celebrity friends and never to the people that bring the value, so now it creates a talking point but never an impact,” the musician tweeted.
READ: Prince Kaybee apologises for cheating on Zola Mhlongo
Another thing about celebrities is the disconnect to the fans, they can’t seem to put back value where they got it from. For instance you give away samples to celebrity friends and never to the people that bring the value, so now it creates a talking point but never an impact.
— K A B I L L I O N (@PrinceKaybee_SA) July 28, 2021
Many believed the post was a not-so-subtle diss at Cassper.
Cassper was taken aback by the criticism, as many brands send PR packages to celebrities and influencers as part of their marketing.
“Orlando Pirates did it last week and nobody was mad. Is the problem Cassper Nyovest ? Or Keng? Hahah bafethu ke le entseng Mara?” the ‘Tito Mboweni’ hitmaker clapped back.
Orlando Pirates did it last week and nobody was mad. Is the problem Cassper Nyovest ? Or Keng ? Hahah bafethu ke le entseng Mara? https://t.co/KV2zpUGR2z
— Don Billiato (@casspernyovest) July 28, 2021
DJ Zinhle weighs in
DJ Zinhle, who owns several of her own brands, shared her thoughts on Twitter. She responded to one of the posts with an explanation of why celebrities are sent gifts.
“Gifting is a time-honoured method of getting exposure for your brand or product. Also known as seeding, gifting is the practice of sending product to a celebrity, publication or influencer, free of charge, in the hopes of securing publicity.”
Zinhle says the “goal is to secure a social media post in support of the product”.
“A gifting campaign also serves to raise brand awareness & wider brand advocacy, soliciting word of mouth recommendations. Gifting is a marketing strategy used by a lot of brands.”
Oftentimes the goal is to secure a social media post in support of the product.. A gifting campaign also serves to raise brand awareness & wider brand advocacy, soliciting word of mouth recommendations.
Gifting is a marketing strategy used by a lot of brands.
— #Siyabonga #ERAbyDJZinhle #ZeeNation (@DJZinhle) July 28, 2021
READ: DJ Zinhle claps back after being labelled a ‘humble bragger’
As for Prince Kaybee, Cassper had a few choice words for his nemesis.
“Sa gago ke go bua marete ka nna. Sign the boxing contract, get the clout from me knocking your ass out or make a hit. The tweets ain’t gon make you more famous or more money. My shoe is doing well, I have the biggest song in the country & I can’t wait to knock you out o marete!!”
Sa gago ke go bua marete ka nna. Sign the boxing contract, get the clout from me knocking your ass out or make a hit. The tweets ain't gon make you more famous or more money. My shoe is doing well, I have the biggest song in the country & I can't wait to knock you out o marete!! https://t.co/RRI7HYC7Hn
— Don Billiato (@casspernyovest) July 28, 2021
Main image courtesy of Instagram/@casspernyovest



