South African artiste Cassper Nyovest (pictured) has brushed aside a campaign to stop him performing in Bulawayo because of the xenophobic violence in the neighbouring country.
BY SINDISO DUBE
Zimbabweans have taken to social networks urging a boycott of South African artistes in protest against attacks on foreigners especially in KwaZulu-Natal.
Cassper will perform at Hartsfield Rugby Ground a week after Durban’s Big Nuz makes an appearance in Bulawayo. One of the city’s top entertainers, Sandra Ndebele, posted on Twitter urging revellers to stay away from the shows citing the xenophobic attacks.
Cassper wrote on Facebook that he would not be deterred by the campaign.
“People are advising me to cancel the show in Bulawayo next week and I am not budging,” he wrote. “I do not support xenophobia therefore my show is still on.
“My Zimbabwean fans are gonna come to my show. We are one Africa (sic) therefore we will dance together. I will come perform for my brothers.”
One of Cassper’s promoters Kudzaishe Matongo, aka Dee Nosh, said the show will be used to make a statement against xenophobia.
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“It’s unfortunate that the xenophobic attacks have marred relations between our people,” he said yesterday. “We as promoters of the artist believe in a peaceful but informative awareness campaign.
“Our visiting artistes are not perpetrators and neither are they in control of what is happening in South Africa.”
Dee Nosh said they expected Cassper’s visit to Zimbabwe to promote a relationship between local and South African artistes.
“We are all Africans, we call for calm and look forward to musical synergies between visiting and local artists as together we see growth in our arts industry,” he said.
“They are geared for a great and entertaining show, and we look forward to lovers of music coming and enjoying the concert.”
Cal-vin, a local artiste set to share the stage with Cassper, said music could be used to preach against hate crimes.
“We will use our social media platforms and this concert to bring awareness on the plight of foreigners in South Africa,” he said.
“Our craft is making music so through our music, we are saying No, to xenophobia. We look forward to delivering this message to all our fans and lovers of music.” South African politicians have joined the chorus condemning xenophobic attacks that began in KwaZulu-Natal.
