By Netshakhuma Muleya
SOUTH AFRICA’s Mafikizolo has becomes the first victim of their country’s xenophobic backlash after their planned show at Zimbabwe’s Buddie Beatz Concert in Victoria Falls on July 5, 2026 was cancelled after a public outcry.
The backlash intensified on social media, where many questioned the timing of hosting South African artists while Zimbabweans were reportedly facing xenophobic violence and ahead of planned protests in South Africa on June 30.
Mafikizolo, made up of Theo Kgosinkwe and Nhlanhla Mafu, is known for hit songs such as Khona, Iminyaka, and Sendekera, a collaboration with Zimbabwean musician Jah Prayzah.
Zimbabweans described the situation with the phrase, “There is no party where there is a funeral,” expressing solidarity with thousands being forcibly ejected from that country.
Zimbabwean socialite Mai Titi criticised the planned performance on Facebook, saying the timing was insensitive given the experiences of Zimbabweans affected by the reported violence.
“The promotion of Mafikizolo to perform at the festival is just the wrong timing. As Zimbabweans, it is a sign of insensitivity to ignore the lives and suffering of fellow Zimbabweans affected by xenophobic attacks,” she said.
Mai Titi also questioned why Zimbabwean event promoters continued booking South African artists who, she claimed, had not publicly used their platforms to condemn xenophobic violence or call for peace.
Advocate, Fadzai Mahere also voiced out the need to think of victims being affected by the planned march protest in June 30.
“Given the current climate, bringing in South African artists to perform in Zimbabwe would be a gross failure to read the room. Our brothers, sisters, relatives and friends are squatting in the rain, choked by fear and in danger of losing their livelihoods.”
Prophets that includes Jay Israel, urged Zimbabweans on a facebook post, to stand together and show no sign of desperation.
“This is our time to show our beloved South African brothers and sisters that we are not a desperate nation. They are chasing Foreigners but they want to be accepted in Zimbabwe.”