Maskandi is in hot water for xenophobic song

He's apparently been reported to the Human Rights Commission for his latest single, Abahambe Osbari, which translates to: "Foreigners must go!"

In the song he asks foreign nationals to leave Mzansi, which has led to him being accused of hate speech. The song has worried the foreigners in Durban, where xenophobic attacks broke out a few months ago.

In the song, Zanefa sings in Zulu: "Our music is being pirated by foreigners. Our government is silent as if it has been shot. That's why people are divided. Some are saying the foreigners must leave, while others say we must obey the law."

Speaking to Daily Sun, the singer claimed he was only expressing the views of the common people.

"People should listen to the song properly before talking or taking action.

"Our government went all out to stop xenophobia but did nothing about foreign nationals copying our music and selling it at low prices," he said.

"If we stand up for ourselves we get arrested. We die poor. I'm creative in a democratic country trying by all means to shout that people, especially foreigners, must stop piracy.

"I don't back down and I know deep down that many artists, fans and people all over Mzansi will support me on this one."

His song has been getting increasingly popular in KZN, especially in Durban.

Human Rights Commission spokesman, Isaac Mangena, said: "We are not aware of this case or the song yet. We haven't listened to any song of this nature.

"We encourage leaders, including musicians, not to use language that fuels hatred against other people, be it foreigners, gays, lesbians, whites or blacks.

"We will comment further when we receive more information."