South African Musicians’ Shows Axed Over #XenophobicSA

by Clinton Moodley

Durban – South African musicians are bearing the brunt of the country’s xenophobic attacks with many of their gigs cancelled this week.

Kelly Khumalo, Big Nuz, Black Coffee, Winnie Khumalo, Ringo Madlingozi and Cassper Nyovest have had their international acts affected by calls for a boycott.

UK based company Elite Promotions, on its Facebook page, revealed that Kelly’s UK show, scheduled to open on May 1, had been postponed in solidarity with the innocent victims of xenophobia in South Africa.

Brickz also had his UK tour suspended. He was due in London on Friday. Big Nuz and Black Coffee, set to perform in Zimbabwe and Mozambique respectively, have pulled out of their shows.

Booking agent in South Africa, Tenny T, said there was no reason to blame musicians. “Around 99.9 percent of our artists are supporting the cause that says no to xenophobia. They do not deserve this. They have worked hard, and having these restrictions imposed on them is wrong.

“Just because they are South African does not make them part of the xenophobic attacks.” Read full