This archive report was first published on 5 September 2019.
Published on September 5, 2019, South African musicians have cancelled their upcoming shows in Zimbabwe as tensions escalate over attacks against foreigners and foreign-owned businesses in South Africa.
Mafikizolo and Mlindo the Vocalist have postponed their concerts scheduled for Harare and Bulawayo, respectively, citing concerns for their personal security.
"I'm supposed to travel to Zimbabwe this weekend, but I fear for my life since I'm South African," tweeted Mlindo, who had a show scheduled for Bulawayo.
"My country is doing so much harm to our brothers and sisters I have no choice but to wonder what lies in another African country as an African," he added.
Organisers of Mafikizolo's show in Harare had already faced an online backlash from Zimbabweans who were planning to boycott the event.
The duo of Nhlanhla Nciza and Theo Kgosinkwe released a video message announcing their decision to cancel the show, condemning the killings of innocent people and urging their government to take strong action against the perpetrators.
"We want you to know that we will continue to keep you in our prayers," Nciza said. "We urge our government to take strong steps, harsh steps to punish the perpetrators, the individuals that are responsible for these horrific crimes."
