NACZ urges promoters to postpone South African artistes' performances over safety concerns

NACZ urges postponement of South African artistes' performances in Zimbabwe

The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) has urged local event promoters to consider postponing performances by South African artistes amid growing public anger over the reported harassment of foreign nationals in South Africa. NACZ chief executive officer Napoleon Nyanhi said the appeal is a precautionary measure aimed at safeguarding both performers and audiences, rather than a boycott of South African entertainers.

Speaking during an interview on Star FM last week, Nyanhi said promoters should carefully assess the prevailing public mood before proceeding with events featuring South African acts.

“Regarding South African artistes who have been booked to perform in Zimbabwe, there has been a growing call on social media for them to postpone or cancel their performances because of the current situation,” Nyanhi said.

“I do not see this as punishment or prejudice against the artistes. Rather, I see it as promoters being mindful of the prevailing public sentiment.”

The remarks come as anti-foreigner sentiment in parts of South Africa has once again drawn widespread concern, with reports of intimidation, forced business closures and attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Zimbabweans. Previous waves of xenophobic violence have claimed lives, displaced communities and strained diplomatic relations across Southern Africa. The South African Human Rights Commission and regional bodies have repeatedly condemned such attacks and called for stronger protection of migrants.

Nyanhi stressed that Zimbabwe's admiration for South African music and culture remains intact, saying the recommendation is solely about ensuring public safety.

“At the moment, it may not be safe for artistes such as Mafikizolo, Makhadzi, Daliwonga, or any other South African act to perform in Zimbabwe,” he said.

“This is not because Zimbabweans suddenly dislike them or no longer want them here.

“We are simply saying that, for their own safety, it would be better for them to wait.”

He warned that heightened emotions could lead to disruptions at live shows, potentially placing artistes, organisers and concertgoers at risk.

“There is a real possibility that performances could be disrupted, with artistes being forced off stage or even injured. Promoters should therefore act responsibly and prioritise safety.”

Entertainment industry observers say event organisers have a legal and ethical duty to conduct thorough risk assessments before staging public gatherings, particularly when there is evidence of heightened public tension.

Arts analyst Plot Mhako, founder of Jibilika Dance Trust, has previously argued that the arts should remain a platform for cultural dialogue rather than political retaliation, while acknowledging that organisers must take audience safety seriously when planning international events.

Despite the advisory, the NACZ has not announced an official ban on South African performers. Instead, it has encouraged promoters to engage artists, security agencies and other stakeholders before confirming scheduled concerts. The development comes as Zimbabwe and South Africa continue to enjoy deep cultural and economic ties, with South African musicians regularly attracting large audiences in Zimbabwe and Zimbabwean artistes maintaining strong followings across the border.

NACZ South African artistes