Bunjiwe Mkwananzi
Langalakhe Mabena [email protected]
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) has urged local promoters to consider postponing performances by South African artistes in light of rising tensions linked to reported xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
NACZ chief executive officer Napoleon Nyanhi said the appeal is a precautionary measure aimed at safeguarding both artistes and audiences, rather than an act of hostility towards South African performers.
The call comes as public debate intensifies on social media, with some Zimbabweans urging event organisers to suspend upcoming shows featuring South African acts, arguing that emotions surrounding the issue remain high.
Speaking on Star FM last week, Nyanhi said promoters should be guided by public sentiment and prioritise safety when planning entertainment events.
“Regarding South African artistes who have been booked to perform in Zimbabwe, there has been a growing call on social media for them to postpone or cancel their performances because of the current situation. I do not see this as punishment or prejudice against the artistes. Rather, I see it as promoters being mindful of the prevailing public sentiment,” he said.
He said Zimbabwe continues to value South African music and artistes, but warned that the current climate may present avoidable risks at live events.
“At the moment, it may not be safe for artistes such as Mafikizolo, Makhadzi, Daliwonga, or any other South African act to perform in Zimbabwe. This is not because Zimbabweans suddenly dislike them or no longer want them here. We are simply saying that, for their own safety, it would be better for them to wait,” said Nyanhi.
Nyanhi added that large-scale events can become difficult to control if tensions spill over into public gatherings.
“People still enjoy these artistes’ music and would want to watch them perform. However, there is a risk that a small group of disgruntled individuals could disrupt these events. Imagine having 10 000 people at a venue and a section of the crowd becomes unruly. It would be extremely difficult for security personnel or the police to control the situation,” he said.
He warned that such disruptions could also put performers at risk.
“There is a real risk that artistes could be forced off stage or even get injured. The anger would not necessarily be directed at them personally, but at what some people may perceive them to represent under the current circumstances,” said Nyanhi.
The NACZ says its position is intended to encourage careful planning and prevent potential incidents, while ensuring that both Zimbabwean and visiting artistes remain safe as regional tensions continue to be monitored.
