Makhadzi urges African unity as Zimbabweans call for boycott of South African artists

South African singer Makhadzi has appealed for African unity after reports emerged that some Zimbabwean activists and political figures are pushing for South African artists to be boycotted in Zimbabwe.

The debate comes at a sensitive time, with tensions rising over anti-illegal immigration protests in South Africa and the repatriation of foreign nationals from countries including Zimbabwe, Malawi, Ghana and Nigeria.

Makhadzi is scheduled to co-headline the Cheso Power Festival in Harare on July 31 alongside Zimbabwean sungura legend Alick Macheso.

Amid the growing backlash, the award-winning performer took to Facebook with a message urging solidarity across national borders.

In a poster shared with her followers, Makhadzi described herself as “Proudly African” and the “Queen of African Music”, while promoting unity through music.

The poster carried several messages, including: “Ubuntu knows no borders,” “Respect knows every law,” and “Africa is our home, music is our voice.”

Her post quickly triggered debate, with some fans defending her while others argued that the timing of her message was unfortunate given the anger across parts of Southern Africa.

One Facebook user, Maenje Ngwembe, urged critics not to punish Makhadzi for the actions of others in her country.

“Leave Makhadzi alone. She has always been an advocate of African unity, collaborating with different African artists, performing there, and even making songs in their language. If you judge her because of a certain group from her country, then you are not different from them. I am a Malawian, and I love her music,” Ngwembe wrote.

Others felt the singer should have avoided entering the debate.

“Khadzi Khadzi, not now baby girl. Bookings in other African countries are cancelled. Dance here at home,” Thulisile Nkosi commented jokingly.

Zimbabwean fan Irene Shaba took a softer position, saying she personally had no issue with Makhadzi performing in Zimbabwe, although she acknowledged that others felt differently.

“I personally don’t have a problem with you coming to perform in Zimbabwe, but my fellow friends don’t think the same. It will blow over soon and you will come and bless us with your music,” Shaba wrote.

Rudzani Maila suggested that silence may have been the wiser approach.

“Makhadzi, this is not the right time. Sometimes keep quiet, remain neutral and win big in both worlds. Sometimes silence is power,” the user wrote.

Despite the criticism, Makhadzi continues to command strong support elsewhere on the continent.

During a recent visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the “MaGear” hitmaker was welcomed by hundreds of excited fans.

A video shared on social media showed supporters surrounding the e-hailing vehicle she was travelling in. In the excitement, the vehicle’s bumper and side mirror were accidentally torn off.

Makhadzi later assured fans she was unharmed, describing the incident as an overwhelming show of love from her Congolese supporters.

The latest controversy comes shortly after the singer celebrated her 30th birthday on June 30. As part of the celebrations, she released a new song titled “Tsotsi” and gifted herself a mansion.

The calls for a cultural boycott have also drawn sharp commentary in Zimbabwe.

Writing on Nehanda Radio, journalist Gabriel Manyati criticised Zimbabwean presidential spokesperson George Charamba for dismissing calls for a boycott of South African musicians.

Manyati argued that the issue was not about Makhadzi personally, but about anger over how foreign nationals are being treated in South Africa.

“This is not about Makhadzi. It is about Africa’s wounded conscience,” he wrote.

He said Makhadzi did not organise anti-immigrant marches or issue ultimatums to foreign nationals, describing her instead as “a brilliant artist, a cultural worker and an African woman whose music has brought immense joy across the Limpopo.”

However, Manyati argued that in moments of national trauma, cultural figures can become symbols of wider public anger.

He cited the recent removal of South African group Mafikizolo from the Buddie Beatz concert line-up in Harare after public pressure, saying it reflected a broader backlash against South African cultural exports.

Manyati said the boycott calls were linked to concerns over vigilante groups such as Operation Dudula and March and March, which he accused of fuelling fear among migrant communities.

He also referred to the killing of Zimbabwean Elvis Nyathi in Diepsloot and alleged attacks on Malawian and Mozambican nationals during anti-immigrant sweeps.

Manyati argued that cultural boycotts have historically been used by powerless communities to express outrage and apply pressure.

“This has never been a personal war against Makhadzi, a woman whose artistry we respect. This is an existential stance against a systemic assault on African unity,” he wrote.

The row now places Makhadzi’s planned Harare performance under public scrutiny, with fans divided between celebrating her music and using cultural pressure to protest against Afrophobia in South Africa.

For now, the singer is publicly appealing to unity, while the debate over whether South African artists should continue performing in Zimbabwe shows no sign of fading.