Mafikizolo Dropped from Buddie Beatz Concert as Pressure Mounts
South African Afro-pop duo Mafikizolo will no longer perform at the upcoming Buddie Beatz Concert in Victoria Falls, with organisers quietly removing the group from the event’s promotional campaign ahead of the July 5 show.
Although no official explanation has been issued, sources familiar with the matter say the decision was made over security concerns following mounting public criticism and heightened regional tensions linked to anti-immigrant protests in South Africa.
Also Read: Calls Grow to Cancel Mafikizolo’s Zimbabwe Concert Amid Xenophobia Tensions
Promotional material taken down
In a move that appeared to confirm the change, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe removed all promotional content featuring Mafikizolo from its social media platforms.
The duo had been billed to headline the Buddie Beatz Concert, which is scheduled to take place after the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon.
Despite the last-minute alteration to the line-up, the concert is expected to proceed as planned, with local artists remaining on the bill.
Public backlash intensified
Mafikizolo’s inclusion in the concert had sparked heated debate on social media, with many Zimbabweans arguing that inviting South African performers at a time when Zimbabwean migrants were facing uncertainty and hostility across the border was insensitive.
Some critics urged organisers to redirect funds earmarked for the international act towards assisting Zimbabweans returning from South Africa, where anti-foreigner protests have fuelled fears among migrant communities.
Others described the planned performance as poorly timed, saying the country’s focus should instead be on supporting affected citizens.
Concert to continue with local stars
While Mafikizolo has been dropped from the programme, the Buddie Beatz Concert is still set to go ahead with a predominantly local line-up.
Artists expected to perform include Winky D, Killer T and Flying Bantu, among others, with the show remaining one of the major entertainment events scheduled to coincide with the annual Econet Victoria Falls Marathon.
Official silence over decision
Neither Econet Wireless Zimbabwe nor the concert organisers had issued a detailed statement on the reasons behind Mafikizolo’s removal at the time of publication.
However, the development comes amid growing calls for businesses and event organisers to consider the wider social and political climate when staging regional entertainment events.
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