Mafikizolo Dropped from Buddie Beatz Concert Lineup in Victoria Falls Amid Public Backlash Over Xenophobia Tensions

VICTORIA FALLS - South African Afro-pop duo Mafikizolo has been removed from the performer lineup for the upcoming Buddie Beatz Concert scheduled for July 5, 2026, organizers confirmed Tuesday, following intense public outcry linked to ongoing xenophobic tensions and anti-immigrant protests in South Africa. The decision comes days after Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, through its Buddie Beatz brand, announced the duo, Theo Kgosinkwe and Nhlanhla Nciza, as headliners for the post-marathon entertainment event tied to the annual Econet Victoria Falls Marathon. Promotional materials featuring Mafikizolo were swiftly removed from official social media channels and event pages. Public backlash erupted rapidly on social media after the initial announcement, with many Zimbabweans arguing that hosting South African artists was insensitive amid reports of harassment, raids, and threats against Zimbabwean migrants in parts of South Africa. Critics, including musicians, activists, and opposition figures, called for a boycott, describing the booking as "bad timing" and a failure to show solidarity with affected nationals. Zimbabwean musician Bruce Ncube addressed Mafikizolo directly in an open letter, stating that locals do not blame the duo personally but questioned the organizers’ judgment. “It feels wrong, it’s betrayal, it’s bad timing,” Ncube wrote. “They should be showing solidarity with people who use their hard-earned money to keep them going in an almost non-existent economy.” ZANU-PF National Deputy Political Commissar of the Youth League, Taurai Kandishaya, who has been vocal in entertainment circles, urged artists to use their influence. “I thought that by now, Mafikizolo and Makhadzi, after having made a fortune in Zimbabwe, could have spoken out strongly against what is happening in South Africa. For now they must perform in South Africa up until we finish repatriating our people. We cannot have a party in a village where there is a funeral!," he said. Opposition politician and activist Fadzayi Mahere described the original booking as “a gross failure to read the room.” “Our brothers, sisters, relatives and friends are squatting in the rain, choked by fear and in danger of losing their livelihoods,” she posted on X. “Now, more than ever, they need our solidarity.” In a statement to media outlets, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe and Buddie Beatz organizers provided the following official comment:"We value the feedback from our audience and stakeholders. Following extensive consultations and in light of prevailing public sentiments, Mafikizolo will no longer perform at the Buddie Beatz Concert. The event will proceed as planned with the confirmed local and regional artists, focusing on celebrating Zimbabwean talent and the spirit of the Victoria Falls Marathon. Econet remains committed to delivering quality entertainment while respecting community concerns." The concert is still set to feature prominent Zimbabwean acts including Winky D, Killer T, and Flying Bantu, among others. Neither Mafikizolo nor their management has issued a public response as of Tuesday evening. Event organizers emphasized that ticket holders and marathon participants should expect the core program to continue uninterrupted. Expected to perform are two of Zimbabwe's leading Zimdancehall artists, Winkyd, Killer T and Popular local Vic Falls jazz outfit, Flying Bantu.