Mai TT Wants Mafikizolo Show Cancelled In Solidarity With Zimbabweans Fleeing Xenophobia In South Africa

Outspoken comedienne and musician Felistus “Mai TT” Murata has called for the cancellation of South African duo Mafikizolo’s upcoming concert in Zimbabwe, saying it is “wrong timing” while thousands of Zimbabweans in South Africa face threats and displacement.

Mafikizolo are billed as headline acts at Econet Wireless Zimbabwe’s Buddie Beatz concert set for 5 July 2025 at Baobab Primary School in Victoria Falls.

The award-winning duo will share the stage with Zimdancehall stars Winky D and Killer T, among other local artists.

But Mai TT said Zimbabweans should not be “paying to see” South African musicians while their compatriots are being driven out of that country.

“I saw this post ndikashamisika,” she wrote, referring to the concert banner. “I know zvinonzi treat evil with kindness but zvinoitawo here kuti maZimbabweans achidzingwa kujoni kuno topromota ma musicians avo totobhadhara kunovaona yet they never voiced about hutsinye hunoitwa kunyika kwavo.”

Her remarks come as thousands of Zimbabweans in South Africa scramble to leave the country ahead of a 30 June deadline set by citizen-led group March and March Movement.

The group has told so-called undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa by Tuesday, 30 June, for their safety.

In Cape Town, hundreds of Zimbabweans have spent days outside the consulate and at the Home Affairs processing centre in Epping, some sleeping in the rain and cold, seeking help to return home.

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba said on Monday that 3,624 Zimbabweans had been repatriated since the latest wave of xenophobic threats began several weeks ago.

“This is definitely wrong timing considering nhamo irikuonekwa nemaZimbo kujoni izvezvi,” Mai TT said. “Zvana Mafikizolo, Makhadzi here no no no. Ngavamboite mashows ikoko kunyika kwavo.”

Mai TT stressed that her call was not driven by hate for South African music.

“Isu as a nation we are not violent or cruel or racists or tribalists,” she said. “But ivo vanoita zvavanoda kuuraya, kudzinga vapedza vouya kotora mari dzesame Zimbabweans. We don’t hate them but for now my country people ngatimbomira.”

She questioned the concert’s celebratory tone given the crisis: “Make a date and celebrate? What are we celebrating? Xenophobia? Ha to hell.”

She called for a boycott: “Cancel their shows boycott we are saddened by what our people are going through no no no.”

Mai TT said the issue was about solidarity, not talent.

“This is not about hating Makhadzi’s music or Mafikizolo’s talent. But timing matters. Zimbabweans need solidarity, advocacy, and practical help for those affected in SA before we clap and dance.”

She urged organisers and fans to redirect resources: “The money, energy, and attention used for a show can be redirected to legal aid, repatriation support, or job creation for returning citizens. Let’s first stand with our people who are suffering, then we can all party together with a clear conscience.”

Her comments echo similar concerns raised this week by lawyer and former MP Fadzayi Mahere, who said it was “not the right time” for South African artists to perform in Zimbabwe.

The 30 June deadline set by March and March Movement has heightened tensions across South Africa.

The group insists its call is for “voluntary” departure to avoid violence, but the ultimatum has triggered panic among migrant communities.