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Anti-immigrant unrest threatens Macheso's SA gig
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Zimbabwean sungura legend Alick Macheso is reportedly set to miss Saturday's Silala Music Festival in Venda, South Africa, amid growing security concerns linked to ongoing anti-immigrant protests.
Macheso had been scheduled to headline the festival alongside South African music star Makhadzi.
However, sources close to Orchestra Mberikwazvo say the musician is unlikely to travel to South Africa because of the prevailing security situation.
A source familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the band was unwilling to expose its members to unnecessary risk.
"The camp will not risk travelling to South Africa under the current circumstances," the source said.
Instead, Macheso and members of Orchestra Mberikwazvo are expected to remain in Zimbabwe, where they are reportedly preparing to receive vehicles recently pledged to them by businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
According to the source, several band members are currently processing driver's licences ahead of taking delivery of the vehicles.
The latest donation follows Chivayo's recent gift of a 2026 Toyota Fortuner to Macheso, while the musician's manager, Tich Makahamadze, received a Toyota Aqua.
Macheso's reported decision comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions following anti-immigrant protests in parts of South Africa, which have left many Zimbabweans living there fearful and prompted thousands to return home.
The unrest has also triggered calls in Zimbabwe for South African artists to suspend performances in the country until the safety of Zimbabwean nationals in South Africa is assured.
The debate has already had an impact on the entertainment industry.
South African music duo Mafikizolo were removed from Econet's Buddie Beatz Concert held on July 5 following public pressure from some Zimbabweans.
Attention has now shifted to the Cheso Music Festival, scheduled for July 31 at Alex Sports Club in Harare, where Makhadzi remains one of the headline performers.
The festival has come under increasing pressure from some members of the public calling for the South African singer to be removed from the programme.
Among those voicing opposition is socialite Felistas "Mai TT" Murata, who questioned the decision to host a South African artist while many Zimbabweans remain stranded or fearful because of the unrest.
"You want to bring Makhadzi yet we are saying she can't come until all Zimbabweans stuck in South Africa are back home safely and we are at peace," she wrote on social media.
By the time of publication, neither Macheso's management nor organisers of the Silala Music Festival had officially confirmed that his appearance had been cancelled.
Similarly, organisers of the Cheso Music Festival had not announced any changes to Makhadzi's scheduled performance.
Macheso had been scheduled to headline the festival alongside South African music star Makhadzi.
However, sources close to Orchestra Mberikwazvo say the musician is unlikely to travel to South Africa because of the prevailing security situation.
A source familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the band was unwilling to expose its members to unnecessary risk.
"The camp will not risk travelling to South Africa under the current circumstances," the source said.
Instead, Macheso and members of Orchestra Mberikwazvo are expected to remain in Zimbabwe, where they are reportedly preparing to receive vehicles recently pledged to them by businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
According to the source, several band members are currently processing driver's licences ahead of taking delivery of the vehicles.
The latest donation follows Chivayo's recent gift of a 2026 Toyota Fortuner to Macheso, while the musician's manager, Tich Makahamadze, received a Toyota Aqua.
Macheso's reported decision comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions following anti-immigrant protests in parts of South Africa, which have left many Zimbabweans living there fearful and prompted thousands to return home.
The debate has already had an impact on the entertainment industry.
South African music duo Mafikizolo were removed from Econet's Buddie Beatz Concert held on July 5 following public pressure from some Zimbabweans.
Attention has now shifted to the Cheso Music Festival, scheduled for July 31 at Alex Sports Club in Harare, where Makhadzi remains one of the headline performers.
The festival has come under increasing pressure from some members of the public calling for the South African singer to be removed from the programme.
Among those voicing opposition is socialite Felistas "Mai TT" Murata, who questioned the decision to host a South African artist while many Zimbabweans remain stranded or fearful because of the unrest.
"You want to bring Makhadzi yet we are saying she can't come until all Zimbabweans stuck in South Africa are back home safely and we are at peace," she wrote on social media.
By the time of publication, neither Macheso's management nor organisers of the Silala Music Festival had officially confirmed that his appearance had been cancelled.
Similarly, organisers of the Cheso Music Festival had not announced any changes to Makhadzi's scheduled performance.
Source - The Standard
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