Entertainment / Celebrity
Macheso pulls out of Silala Festival over South Africa unrest
2 hrs ago |
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Sungura legend Alick Macheso has cancelled his scheduled appearance at this year’s Silala Festival in South Africa, citing security concerns arising from ongoing protests and unrest affecting foreign nationals.
In an official statement posted on his Facebook page, Macheso said the decision was unavoidable as the safety of fans, band members and festival attendees remained the top priority.
“We regret to inform you Mafunzi wa Mishumo, Varungu vedu, Amakhiwa, our fans, supporters and festival attendees that we are unable to participate in this year’s Silala Festival,” he said. “This decision has been necessitated by the current security situation, protests and unrest affecting foreign nationals in South Africa.”
Macheso emphasised that all preparations for the trip had been completed, including contractual and logistical arrangements, and the Orchestra Mberikwazvo team had been fully ready to travel.
“Just for the record, all contractual and logistical arrangements had been completed, and we were fully prepared to attend the event. However, the safety and well‑being of everyone involved remains our highest priority,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to festival organisers and fans who had been anticipating the performance, adding that the group remained committed to performing in South Africa once conditions stabilise.
Macheso also encouraged peace and tolerance amid the tensions, urging communities to promote unity and mutual respect.
The development comes as concerns grow over the safety of foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, with several Zimbabwean artists and travellers monitoring the situation closely through platforms such as Zimbabwe–South Africa diaspora updates.
In an official statement posted on his Facebook page, Macheso said the decision was unavoidable as the safety of fans, band members and festival attendees remained the top priority.
“We regret to inform you Mafunzi wa Mishumo, Varungu vedu, Amakhiwa, our fans, supporters and festival attendees that we are unable to participate in this year’s Silala Festival,” he said. “This decision has been necessitated by the current security situation, protests and unrest affecting foreign nationals in South Africa.”
Macheso emphasised that all preparations for the trip had been completed, including contractual and logistical arrangements, and the Orchestra Mberikwazvo team had been fully ready to travel.
“Just for the record, all contractual and logistical arrangements had been completed, and we were fully prepared to attend the event. However, the safety and well‑being of everyone involved remains our highest priority,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to festival organisers and fans who had been anticipating the performance, adding that the group remained committed to performing in South Africa once conditions stabilise.
Macheso also encouraged peace and tolerance amid the tensions, urging communities to promote unity and mutual respect.
The development comes as concerns grow over the safety of foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, with several Zimbabwean artists and travellers monitoring the situation closely through platforms such as Zimbabwe–South Africa diaspora updates.
Source - Byo24news
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