Shockwaves ran through the timelines of SA Twitter on Sunday when hip-hop artist Sean Pages revealed that he was molested as a child by his uncle. This shocking revelation came after the suicide of 23 year old law student, Khensani Maseko, who had committed suicide after being raped.

The rapper shared his story in a very emotional and moving Twitter thread where he unpacked the trauma and its effects on his behaviour “Grew up angry as a kid, always breaking people’s [things] and burning whatever I could put a match on.” Pages also revealed how scared he was to tell his mother after having his life threatened by his uncle. “[Couldn’t] even tell her coz 1 [I] didn’t even have a name for what was being done to me and 2; nigga told me he’d kill me if I did”. The Wadijaja rapper described his uncle as the most evil man he knew and “the devil himself”. He has stated that he has since healed from the incident.

Pages has urged parents to protect and support their children and has said that he wouldn’t wish what had happened to him on his worst enemy.

Thoughts, prayers and messages of support for Pages have come pouring in from fans and industry mates. Sizwe Dhlomo tweeted  “Pages! My G! It’s all love playa. You’re one of the kindest dudes I know. I’m sorry you had to go through all of this. I love you bro.” Fellow hip- hop artist Reason showed his support by tweeting “I HAVE NOTHING BUT MORE LOVE AND RESPECT FOR YOU BECAUSE OF THIS MY NIGGA! THANK YOU. AND IM SORRY.”  Loot Love has also tweeted her support “Sending you so much love Pages. ♥️♥️♥️ So sorry you had to go through something so terrible but you’re really brave & thank you for sharing. Here’s to healing. God bless you. 🙏🏾♥️”

Many folks on Twitter have expressed their wishes that Sean Pages courageous act will open up dialogue about molestation and sexual abuse of children.