Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Zimpapers Entertainment Editor
SOUTH African music sensation Makhadzi has been told to condemn xenophobic attacks rather than find comfort in describing Alick Macheso as ‘BABA.’
The dance goddess insists music should unite, rather than divide people.
But, she is facing severe backlash over her silence amid xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
She has found herself at the centre of a social media storm after she roped in Macheso for her show in Venda.
The invitation comes at a time when tensions have exploded over xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
There have been calls for Macheso to drop Makhadzi from his festival, which is set for Harare, at the end of this month.
Organisers of the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon were forced to drop South African outfit, Mafikizolo, from their line-up of entertainers.
Makhadzi insisted that music should unite rather than divide people.
“Ubuntu knows no borders. We are all one,” she said.
“Baba Macheso is coming to Venda this coming Saturday. He has all the papers.
“We are going to party with him until Monday. We have no reason to cancel him when he has a passport. He is our baba.”
But Makadzi has been criticised for seeing value in Macheso, and labelling him a father figure, while remaining quiet while her compatriots unleash xenophobic attacks on the sungura king’s countrymen and women.
Entertainment commentator and promoter, Tally Ndudzo, challenged Makhadzi’s remarks, claiming Zimbabwean promoters and fans had played a huge role in elevating her career beyond South Africa.
He argued that Zimbabweans have consistently filled her concerts, promoted her music and embraced her collaborations, adding that it was disappointing for her to preach unity without first publicly condemning attacks on foreigners.
Ndudzo also claimed that Makhadzi had worked with established Zimbabwean stars such as Jah Prayzah and Macheso because of their massive fan bases, insisting that Zimbabwean audiences supported her long before she became a continental star.
His comments quickly went viral, attracting thousands of reactions from both sides of the border.
Many rallied behind Ndudzo, saying Makhadzi should have first acknowledged the pain many Zimbabweans were experiencing.
“Where was this Ubuntu when our brothers and sisters were living in fear? A statement of solidarity would have gone a long way,” wrote one social media user.
Another added: “We love Makhadzi’s music, but timing is everything. People are emotional and they wanted empathy before entertainment.”
Others questioned whether Zimbabwean artists should continue performing in South Africa while tensions remain high.
However, others defended Makhadzi.
“She has always shown love to Zimbabwean artists. Why should she be punished for something she did not cause?” read a post on social media.
Another wrote:
“Music is supposed to bring people together. Cancelling artists because of politics or xenophobia only creates more division.”
