By Rahim Abdul
Zimbabwean pastor and politician Israel Jay has called for the cancellation of an upcoming performance by South African music duo Mafikizolo, saying Zimbabwe should not host South African artists while foreigners continue to face xenophobia in South Africa.
In a strongly worded social media post, Israel Jay argued that Zimbabwe should stand in solidarity with its citizens and other foreign nationals who have reportedly been targeted in South Africa. He said Zimbabwe has enough talented local musicians to entertain its people.
“This is our time to show our beloved South African brothers and sisters that we are not a desperate nation. They are chasing foreigners but they want to be accepted in Zimbabwe,” he wrote.
The outspoken pastor added that Zimbabwe should prioritize its own artists, insisting that only local performers should take to the stage at events held in the country. He also addressed the South African duo directly, declaring, “To our dear Mafikizolo you are not welcome in Zimbabwe.”
Israel Jay further warned that if the concert is not cancelled, Zimbabwean youth would gather to ensure the performance does not take place. However, he emphasized that they were “not promising violence” despite their opposition to the event.
His comments come at a time of heightened debate over xenophobia and immigration in South Africa, where reports of hostility towards foreign nationals have continued to draw criticism from across the region.
The remarks have sparked mixed reactions online. While some social media users backed his stance as a protest against xenophobia, others argued that musicians should not be held responsible for political or societal challenges.
As of the time of publication, neither the organisers of the Mafikizolo show nor the South African music duo had publicly responded to Israel Jay’s comments.
The controversy has once again brought the issue of xenophobia into the spotlight, raising broader questions about regional unity, cultural exchange, and the impact of political tensions on the entertainment industry in Southern Africa.
