Renowned singer and songwriter Lady Zamar, whose real name is Yamikani Janet Banda, has recently opened up about her healing journey and her decision to release expectations for an apology from Sjava whom she alleges caused her harm. Sharing her thoughts on Threads, the artist revealed how she has moved past the need for validation through an apology and found peace within herself.
“Now I realise I could not trust the apology of a person who actively violated me and spread horrendous lies about me so that more people could violate me even further. I know now that I do not need that apology to be okay. I will just trust God to fix that hurt and soothe the anger instead of carrying it around with me. There is peace in Jesus Christ,”
Allegations Against Ex-Partner Sjava
Lady Zamar’s allegations date back to 2017, when she accused her former partner, fellow musician Sjava, of raping her in a hotel room after a concert in Limpopo. The case became a highly publicized legal battle, drawing intense scrutiny and polarized public opinion.
Lady Zamar on moving on without an apology from Sjava-Image Source@XSjava, however, has consistently denied the allegations. In a video released in 2020, he addressed the claims, stating:
“I am not a rapist. And I have for years been advocating [against] abuse of any kind, any shape or form, be it women or children abuse, even alcohol abuse.”
Overcoming Self-Blame and Backlash
In a candid interview on the Showmax series Unfollowed in 2023, Lady Zamar reflected on the emotional toll the allegations and subsequent backlash had on her. She admitted that, for a long time, she held herself accountable for what had happened.
“It had happened two years before I spoke about it. I had always thought it was my fault. I had blamed myself immensely. And I felt like it was me who walked into that room unaware. We had never discussed anything sexual, no intimacy had taken place prior to that.”
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Paid Campaigns and Online Smear Tactics
Lady Zamar also alleged that she became the target of orchestrated online campaigns designed to discredit her. According to her, these efforts sought to perpetuate harmful narratives about her character, further amplifying her trauma. Despite these challenges, the singer has focused on her healing and faith.