Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has been forced to cancel its Buddie Beats concert following mounting public pressure from Zimbabweans who argued that the event was inappropriate while fellow citizens remain caught up in the worsening anti-immigrant crisis in South Africa.
The concert, which had been scheduled for 5 July in Victoria Falls and was set to feature South African music duo Mafikizolo, came under intense criticism after many Zimbabweans called on the telecommunications giant to instead channel its resources towards assisting those stranded in South Africa.
The backlash came as anti immigrant tensions continued to escalate in South Africa, with many Zimbabweans expressing fear over their safety and appealing for assistance to return home. Critics argued that a company benefiting from remittances sent by Zimbabweans working in South Africa should prioritise humanitarian support over entertainment.
Taurai Kandishaya was among the people to call for the concert to be cancelled.
"You make money from people living in South Africa vachitumira mari kumusha via EcoCash. Mari iyoyo makuitora to hire an artist from South Africa for a party, instead of assisting your customers to come back home safely. Such disrespect to clients is unimaginable. We cannot have a party in the village where there is a funeral," he said.
He also criticised South African musicians for remaining largely silent over attacks on foreign nationals.
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"I will not sound divisive or xenophobic here, but I believe musicians have the influence to advocate for what is right in our communities. 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," Kandishaya added.
Moreblessing "Moreboy" Munetsi, brother of Zimbabwe Warriors captain Marshall Munetsi, also questioned Econet's priorities.
"Econet, you had money to bring Mafikizolo to Zimbabwe and pay them thousands of rands. Your timing is not right. What help have you given to the Zimbabwe community in South Africa? As a big corporate that has been supported by the Zimbabwean community in South Africa, hamukwanisewo kubatsira nema bus?" he said.
Munyaradzi Chiondengwa also joined the criticism.
"So honestly Econet Zimbabwe thought bringing South African musicians who have remained largely quiet amid all the xenophobic attacks including against Zimbabweans was a good idea? Econet needs to start respecting us!" he said.
The cancellation has been welcomed by many Zimbabweans on social media, who described it as a sign that public concerns had been heard. Many are now calling on both corporate organisations and the government to focus efforts on assisting Zimbabweans affected by the unfolding situation in South Africa.
Econet is yet to issue a detailed statement indicating whether the Buddie Beats concert will be rescheduled at a later date.
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