Pop singer Zwai Bala of "The Lion King" fame supports the Congress of the People because he could not stomach the controversial statements of ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema.

"I think we need guys who are an example to young people. What I saw other youth leaders do, was not something I could go with," he told Sapa after the Bala Brothers trio played a surprise gig at Cope's inaugural conference in Bloemfontein.

"I am talking about Malema, I knew I could not support this."

Zwai said he believed that the new movement respected "the teachings of our elders, morals that I hold dear to my heart".

Malema caused a storm earlier this year when he said supporters of Jacob Zuma were "prepared to kill" for the ANC president.