Calls for a boycott of South African music duo Mafikizolo’s scheduled performance in Zimbabwe are growing, with musicians, entertainers and social media users...
Calls for a boycott of South African music duo Mafikizolo’s scheduled performance in Zimbabwe are growing, with musicians, entertainers and social media users questioning the timing of the concert as concerns continue over the treatment of Zimbabweans in South Africa. The award-winning duo is expected to perform at the Buddie Beatz Concert in Victoria Falls on July 5, but the announcement has triggered widespread debate across social media platforms.
Many of those calling for the boycott argue that the concert comes at a sensitive time when reports of xenophobic attacks and the repatriation of Zimbabweans from South Africa remain a major concern. They believe hosting South African entertainers while fellow Zimbabweans are reportedly facing hardship sends the wrong message and that solidarity should take priority.
Among those who spoke out is comedienne Felistas “Mai TT” Murata, who questioned whether the event should proceed under the current circumstances. She said Zimbabweans are known for their kindness but should first stand with fellow citizens who are reportedly experiencing difficulties in South Africa.
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“I know Zimbabweans are naturally kind-hearted, but it hurts to see us promoting musicians while our fellow Zimbabweans are allegedly being chased away from South Africa. We do not hate them, but for now our country should put its people first. What exactly are we celebrating? Xenophobia? No,” wrote Mai TT.
Entertainment personality Taurai Kandishaya also shared his views, saying musicians have influence and should use their platforms to speak against violence. He said he had expected Mafikizolo to publicly condemn what Zimbabweans are reportedly facing in South Africa before performing in the country.
“I believe musicians have the influence to advocate for what is right in our communities. I thought that by now Mafikizolo could have spoken strongly against what is happening in South Africa. We cannot have a party in a village where there is a funeral,” he said.
Bruce Ncube also joined the discussion through a social media post addressed directly to Mafikizolo. He said Zimbabweans have supported the duo for many years and that his comments were not directed at the musicians personally, but at what he described as the unfortunate timing of the concert. Ncube recalled sharing the stage with Mafikizolo at previous events and acknowledged the group’s popularity among Zimbabwean fans.
However, Ncube said the present situation called for compassion rather than celebration. “At this point, it feels wrong. It feels like betrayal. It is bad timing. It is an insult for Zimbabweans to be inviting you to perform in Victoria Falls while our people in South Africa are facing one of the toughest periods of their lives,” he wrote. He added that companies and event organisers should stand with ordinary Zimbabweans whose support sustains their businesses.
Ncube further said many Zimbabweans living in South Africa had reportedly been forced to leave, whether legally or illegally, and argued that their struggles deserved greater attention. Another social media user, Ashford Chimombe, also urged promoters to suspend bookings for South African artistes until the current tensions ease. “There should be no more South African artistes performing in Zimbabwe. Promoters should wait until this issue is resolved,” he said.
Despite the growing calls for a boycott, other social media users have defended Mafikizolo, saying the music duo should not be held responsible for political or social issues beyond their control. They argue that artistes should continue bringing people together through music and that cultural exchanges between neighbouring countries should not be affected by disputes unrelated to performers.
As debate continues online, neither Mafikizolo nor the organisers of the Buddie Beatz Concert had publicly responded to the calls for a boycott at the time of writing. It also remains unclear whether the July 5 performance in Victoria Falls will go ahead as scheduled or whether organisers will review the event in response to the public reaction.
