Xenophobia: Charambas cancel SA tour
Celebrated gospel artistes Charles and Olivia Charamba have cancelled a show set for Cape Town due to the ongoing xenophobic violence in South Africa.
The two gospel artistes told the Daily News that holding the concert under the current environment could endanger not only their lives but those of fellow Zimbabweans resident in South Africa who are likely to throng the show.
“We have decided to postpone because of the xenophobic attacks currently taking place in South Africa,” said Olivia Charamba.
“We are not sure of the date we will do the rescheduled concert. We have not cancelled but we will go there when things have calmed down. We wouldn’t want a situation where we will regret even going there.”
She added that violence is not the answer to whatever problems the people of South Africa have.
“What is happening is painful; it’s inhumane and it’s unacceptable. People should find better ways to resolve their problems rather than resorting to violence and killing people.”
The Cape Town gig was part of the Charambas’ regional shows which commenced in Botswana last month. “People may have this perception that we only hold concerts in the Harare Gardens only, but we go to other places as well.
“We also hold shows outside Harare. We will be travelling with our full band like we always do; our music has live instruments so that’s what we will deliver to the people,” she added.
“We also want to do regional tours as well to appeal to all the Zimbabweans outside the country, as well as engage new fans. We have been doing these regional tours over the years and it’s part of our way of spreading the Word of God in other countries other than Zimbabwe.”
Other countries they intend to tour include Zambia, Mozambique, Namibia and Botswana.
The postponement of their Cape Town concert follows the rescheduling of sungura star Alick Macheso’s show which was also set to take place in Johannesburg at the weekend.
Xenophobic violence has so far left seven people dead, including one Zimbabwean.
Two Zimbabweans were shot two days ago. Local and regional artistes have taken a strong stance condemning xenophobia and they are currently working on a song titled, Stop Xenophobia.
The artistes featuring on the collaboration include Jah Prayzah, Cynthia Mare, Ammara Brown, Albert Nyathi, Sandra Ndebele, Dino Mudondo, Alick Macheso, Tererai Mugwadi, Afrika Revenge, CCAP Mbare, Mzoe7, Sabastian Magacha, Pastor G, BaShupi, Lira, Bucie, Malaika, DJ Cleo, Loyiso Bala and several others. Daily News
