South Africans furious with Jason Derulo after the American singer at ANN7's South African of the Year Awards asks if South Africans can speak English.

South Africans are furious with Jason Derulo after the American singer asked South Africans at ANN7's South African of the Year Awards if they can speak English.

Jason Derulo embarrassed Infinity Media's ANN7 and the South African of the Year organisers at the awards show which took place on Saturday night for a second year, and which the TV news channel billed as "the most prestigious awards show in the country".

Another American star, Christina Aguilera, was also set to perform at the South African awards show but also caused embarrassment and a dramatic change to awards show which changed from a concert to an "invitation only" closed event after pulling out a month ago citing sudden diary conflicts.

The backlash on Saturday began after Jason Derulo, who was supposed to be the main draw at the event, asked "Y'all speak English, right?"

Unimpressed South Africans quickly took to social media on Saturday night after Jason Derulo asked if they can speak English, calling him ignorant and blasting him for his music and daft remark.

Jason Derulo eventually responded on Twitter, saying that his "speaking English" remark "was directed to a specific table at the ANN7 South African of the Year Awards because he was frustrated that people at the award show wasn't reacting.

"Speaking English remark I made, was directed to a specific table. It wasn't literal, just a figure of speech when someone isn't responding," Jason Derulo tweeted.

At the South African of the year awards, the main performing act is not South African. Siphi na?

— Outside S'thethi (@ZikhonaTshona) October 17, 2015

In a country with as much talent as South Africa, it is a proper insult to subject the nation to this Jason Derulo person.

— Mme a Masakona (@FloMasebe) October 17, 2015

So Jason Derulo asked us if we speak English?Lmao! Thats what we get when we leave our own talent & chase internationals. Andinayo ne-worry!

— nwabisa (@NwabsWell) October 18, 2015

Jason Derulo isn't even a big star but comes here to disrespect us? Toni Braxton/Babyface were here & they didn't talk nonsense. Who is he?

— Flo (@florenceletoaba) October 17, 2015

When the organizers approached Jason Derulo what language did they speak? 😐

— Shameless (@Mizzpeehkay) October 18, 2015

Jason Derulo, at the South African of the Year Awards, asked the audience if they speak English. @BarackObama, please come fetch him.

— Tats Nkonzo (@TatsNkonzo) October 17, 2015

Wait, Jason Derulo asked WHAAAT??? LMAOOO pic.twitter.com/7tb9fNOxJj

— Perseus (@iampercy_n) October 18, 2015

@jasonderulo pic.twitter.com/mqV38wbCoD

— Lovemore Chinos (@Luvmo_Chinos) October 18, 2015

"Speaking English" remark I made, was directed to a specific table. It wasn't literal, just a figure of speech when someone isn't responding

— Jason Derulo (@jasonderulo) October 17, 2015

Christina Aguilera heading to South Africa; will perform as headline act at ANN7's 2015 South African of the Year Awards on 17 October.

The American pop star Christina Aguilera is heading to South Africa and will perform as the headline act at ANN7’s (DStv 405) second South African of the Year Awards on 17 October.

The American singer Jason Derulo and several other local artists like AKA, The Soil and ChianoSky will also perform at the 24-hour TV news channel’s awards show honouring remarkable South Africans for their achievements.

While the first South African of the Year Awards was held at the Sandton Convention Centre last year, the 2015 SATYs will be taking place at the Ticketpro Dome (formerly the Coca-Cola Dome) in Northgate in Johannesburg on 17 October.

Moegsien Williams, editor-in-chief at ANN7 says securing Christina Aguilera was a coup.

"While we are celebrating all things South Africa, our intention is at the same time to market the couontry and showcase the wide array of talented, innovative, industrious, high-achieving and successful people in our land and within all spheres. This is why, strategically, we secure major international acts each year."

"The South African of the Year Awards is a prestigious event featuring and attended by the who's who of South Africa. We are therefore proud to have an artist as talented and socially responsible as Christina Aguilera," says Moegsien Williams.

In the run up to the South African of the Year Awards, ANN7 is broadcasting the I am South African magazine show from Mondays to Saturdays at 18:00 presented by Maps Maponyane and Avashnee Vandiar.