By Netshakhuma Muleya
ZIMBABWEAN musician Nutty O has urged citizens to put Zimbabwe first, saying the country has enough talent to stand proudly on its own without relying on foreign influence.
Commenting on Facebook after discussions sparked by remarks made during the South African’s Music Pulse podcast on July 7, 2026.
Nutty O encouraged Zimbabweans to prioritise themselves before seeking validation from other nations.
The debate follows the cancellation of South African duo Mafikizolo’s scheduled performance at the Buddie Beatz Victoria Falls event after some Zimbabweans launched an online protest against promoting South African artists amid reports of xenophobic attacks targeting Zimbabweans in South Africa.
Using the moment as a lesson on self-belief, Nutty O criticised Zimbabweans for consistently favouring foreign entertainment over local productions.
He argued that South African musicians, television dramas and telenovelas often receive greater support from Zimbabwean audiences than homegrown talent.
“Zimbabwe has better musicians, actors and influencers. It’s time we believe it and rally behind our own rather than being humiliated for choosing South African talent, which has always been prioritised over our own,” he said.
Nutty O is known for his rich Catalogue of hitsongs that include Too Much, Are you safe, Tit 4 tat and his award winning album Mustard Seed.
Nutty O’s remarks have added another voice to the ongoing conversation about national pride, cultural identity and the importance of supporting Zimbabwe’s creative industry.