Is Sabrina Claudio's past racism a dealbreaker? Fans outraged over YFM's 'LYFE' 2025 booking

Yet another exciting announcement for alternative R&B lovers as YFM announces American songbird Sabrina Claudio as a headliner for their “LYFE” 2025 music event, scheduled for Saturday, December 6.

You read that right, the Grammy-nominated artist is coming to the City of Gold.

Claudio is set to take the stage at Marks Park in Emmarentia alongside Mzansi’s powerhouses Manana and Lloyiso. YFM’s Rarri, Fif_Laa, DJ Fae Fae and more will be behind the decks.

The event promises a day of pure energy, good music and unforgettable moments. In true YFM style, fans can expect summer magic, including fashion and the street culture experience.

Many may know the artist for her sultry hits like “Stand Still”, “Belong to You”, and “Confidently Lost”.

Her career began when she posted covers on her YouTube and X (formerly Twitter) accounts and later gained a following on SoundCloud, a music streaming app.

Reportedly, her EP “Confidently Lost” and debut mixtape "About Time" led her to a music deal with Atlantic Records in 2018 until she left the label in 2023, signing with Empire this March.

The singer also collaborated with South African DJ Black Coffee on the song “SBCNCSLY” from his 2021 album, “Subconsciously”.

However, controversy once again found its way to her brand and has since attached itself to her name. This was when racism allegations surfaced in 2018.

According to reports, the 29-year-old singer admitted to creating a Twitter account to say negative things about black women after she was called out by a fan.

At the time, she used the handle "@ODamnYourUgly", which she used to hide behind to post offensive remarks about women of colour. The posts included comments like, “It must suck to be a black girl with no booty.”

More screenshots of comments made by Claudio using the n-word, as well as a comment made on Instagram in which she allegedly referred to a fan as a “sweaty chonga”, were exposed.

The artist has since apologised, citing “past ignorance”.

“I am deeply sorry for the insensitive words I’ve used,” she wrote. “Some of the things you are seeing are true while others aren’t.”

“I realise my past ignorance is affecting people I care so much about, and I am so sorry. I’ve made mistakes, and while I cannot take them back, I will learn from them.” Besides quotes online, there are no links to these posts, as they have since been deleted.

YFM faces backlash for bringing Sabrina Claudio to South Africa

It seems some of her fans have forgiven her, and they are showing excitement for her arrival on social media, while many are pointing out her past and criticising YFM for bringing her.

“Forgave her anti-black and colourism comments already? Let’s go 🥹,” said @Oblivy_.

X user @TinaThando said: “You have zero shame bringing this racist person, just audacity.”

@Luzanne_Bee wrote: “Sabrina Claudio performing in SA, that time babygirl is a racist.”

Another X user, @Tatted_Makoti, said: “A person known to be racist towards black women, now look at them run to buy her tickets like they did with Chris Brown lol.”

The radio station has yet to respond to the outrage.