Zimbabweans Demand Econet Cancels 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 growing anger over xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.

The backlash comes at a time when tensions around anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa have intensified, with foreign nationals — including Zimbabweans — facing renewed fears over their safety. Human rights organisations have raised concerns over violence, harassment and intimidation targeting migrants, while some Zimbabwean citizens have returned home after incidents linked to xenophobic violence.

For many Zimbabweans, the issue carries deep emotional weight because South Africa remains home to millions of Zimbabwean migrants who have moved there over the years in search of work and better opportunities. Reports of attacks and hostility towards foreigners have repeatedly triggered anger and calls for action across the region. Against this background, the announcement that Mafikizolo — one of South Africa’s most recognised music groups — will perform at the Buddie Beats Concert has divided opinion online.

A number of Zimbabweans flooded Econet Zimbabwe’s social media pages demanding that the group be removed from the event, arguing that it would be insensitive for Zimbabweans to celebrate with a South African act while some Zimbabweans are experiencing fear and hostility in South Africa.

Some of the comments 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.”

Another user questioned whether fans could enjoy the performance while ignoring what is happening across the border:

“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 okay? Mapromoters imbotinyaraiwo.”

Others directed their frustration at the organisers:

“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.”

Some comments went further, expressing anger and making threatening statements towards the artists.

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

However, not everyone supported the calls for cancellation. Some fans focused on the entertainment value of the event and welcomed the line-up.

“This line-up is lit.”

“One big party.”

The debate reflects a wider regional conversation about whether artists and cultural events should be affected by political and social tensions. While some Zimbabweans view boycotting South African performers as a way of expressing solidarity with victims of xenophobic attacks, others argue that musicians should not be blamed for the actions of individuals or political groups.

Mafikizolo and Econet Zimbabwe have not yet publicly responded to the calls for the performance to be cancelled.