Mugabe bans Freshly Ground over mock video

By Staff Reporter

South African pop group Freshly Ground has been banned from performing in Zimbabwe after their work permit for a show there was hastily withdrawn.

Although no official reason was given it appears a response to the groups ‘Chicken to Change’ music video which takes a satirical look at Mugabe’s refusal to step down and accept change.

The video was collaboration between the band and political satire website ZA News. Using the talents of South African cartoonist Zapiro the video depicts Mugabe as a latex chicken.

Zolani Mahola, the lead singer of the multinational group initially lauds Mugabe in the song as a “supernova” for his role in the independence struggle. But the song and video go on to make clear that he has fallen along the way and should relinquish the reins of power.

Freshly Ground was set to perform at the Wild Geese Lodge in Harare next month but it looks like the tour will be put on ice for the moment. The band is considering legal action over the matter.