Zimbabweans Demand Organisers Cancel Mafikizolo Performance Amid Anger Over Xenophobic Attacks In South Africa

A planned performance by South African music duo Mafikizolo at Econet Zimbabwe’s Buddie Beats Concert in Victoria Falls has sparked controversy, with some Zimbabweans calling on organisers to remove the group from the line-up amid anger over xenophobic attacks and growing tensions affecting Zimbabweans living in South Africa.

The backlash comes as concerns continue to grow over the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa, where Zimbabweans have historically been among the largest migrant communities. Reports of xenophobic violence, discrimination and anti-immigrant sentiment have repeatedly triggered outrage across the region, with many Zimbabweans expressing frustration over the safety of their citizens across the border.

For some Zimbabweans, the inclusion of a South African act at a major local event has become a symbol of a bigger frustration, with critics arguing that entertainment events should acknowledge the pain and concerns of people affected by xenophobic attacks.

Mafikizolo, one of South Africa’s most successful musical groups, is scheduled to perform at the Buddie Beats Concert in Victoria Falls. However, after Econet Zimbabwe shared promotional content about the event, its social media pages were flooded with comments from users demanding that the group be removed from the line-up.

Some of the reactions included:

“We say No to Mafikizolo. How can he come to me if he can’t run.”

“Yes to Gaffa No to Mafikizolo.”

“Please strike off Mafikizolo on your list of performers.”

“Mafikizolo ngavatemwe nemacan to cut the story short.”

“With immediate effect please replace Mafikizolo with 10.”

One user questioned whether fans could genuinely celebrate while tensions between Zimbabweans and some South Africans remain unresolved:

“So people are expected to dance to Mafikizolo and pretend like nothing is happening in South Africa? Iyo Mafikizolo will perform and like everything is ok? Mapromoters imbotinyaraiwo.”

Other comments included:

“They must go and sing for Jacinta and Mchunu Dhemeti.”

“Liyasidelela kodwa bantu be Econet Zimbabwe we don’t want Mafikizolo they must sing in their country siphelile isikhathi sokuncengana #NoToMafikizolo.”

“Econet Zimbabwe don’t worry we will make history for you and through you just watch….”

Some comments also contained hostile language towards the group, with one user writing:

“If Mafikizolo come to my country she will get the type of a medicine we got in SA.”

Despite the backlash, some social media users defended the concert and welcomed the line-up, focusing on the entertainment value of the event.

“This line-up is lit.”

“One big party.”

Econet Zimbabwe has not responded to the growing criticism or addressed the comments being posted on its social media platforms. The company has also not indicated whether there will be any changes to the Buddie Beats Concert line-up following the online calls for Mafikizolo’s removal.

The controversy has sparked a wider debate about the role of artists and entertainment platforms during times of political and social tension, with some arguing that cultural events should continue to bring people together, while others believe public pressure should influence decisions around performers.