South African Maskandi star Khuzani Mpungose is facing a wave of opposition from some Zimbabweans over his planned performance in Bulawayo, with social media users telling the musician outright that he is not wanted in the country.
However, other Zimbabweans have warmly welcomed Khuzani’s planned return, with some fans expressing excitement about seeing the Maskandi star perform in Bulawayo.
Khuzani announced that he will be performing at the Hangout, in Zimbabwe on 5 September 2026.
“At 18:00 I will be performing at the Hangout, at KwaBulawayo Athletic Club. People must make sure that they attend this event,” Khuzani said in the announcement.
The announcement has since generated a stream of reactions, exposing a sharp divide among those commenting on the proposed appearance.
Some of the comments were openly hostile to the planned performance.
Lifa Ncube was blunt, writing: “Don’t come to Zimbabwe, Khuzani.”
Mbongeni Sibindi similarly objected to the visit, writing: “He should go back home and perform at Phakela’s event; we do not want him.”
Amos Mandela Gonte also expressed opposition, writing: “If I were alone and had the power, I would stop him. There are many of our brothers who have lost their jobs saying they should leave. Let us not take this lightly, brothers.”
His comment appeared to connect his objection to broader concerns about Zimbabweans who have lost employment amid tensions surrounding foreign nationals.
But the opposition has been met with equally passionate support from other Zimbabweans who appear eager to see the South African star return.
Nqobizitha Mangena welcomed the announcement and wrote: “Finally…wow, I have been wishing for you to come back, my king.”
Thami Mbayiwa was even more emphatic in his support, “Anyone saying that he should not come back to Zimbabwe is truly crazy. Let him be. Everyone from the Shona-speaking community should come to the event.”
Phiri Senzeni also pushed back against the criticism and said: “Amos Mandela Gonte, no, you, sit down. Forward with Maskandi. Come, Ndlamlenze, we are waiting for you, Khuba.”
Skhanyisiwe Moyo defended Khuzani’s presence and wrote: “He is welcome because he does not have hatred or discrimination.”
The contrasting reactions suggest that there is no unified Zimbabwean position on Khuzani’s planned appearance. While some commenters are clearly attempting to frame his performance within the broader dispute over foreign nationals and employment, others appear to view the visit simply as an opportunity to enjoy music.
Khuzani’s controversy comes after several South African artists have already found themselves caught up in the fallout from tensions between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
In July 2026, South African duo Mafikizolo faced intense public pressure over a planned performance in Zimbabwe. Calls for the concert to be cancelled grew amid anger over the treatment of Zimbabweans in South Africa. The duo was subsequently removed from the Buddie Beatz Concert line-up in Victoria Falls.
South African musician Musa Keys was also removed from the line-up of the Mighty Zambezi Bonfire Festival, with organisers ultimately promoting an all-Zimbabwean line-up following mounting social media pressure.
In 2019, a Mafikizolo concert in Harare was cancelled following widespread calls for a boycott after xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa. The cancellation demonstrated that tensions between the two countries have previously spilled over into the entertainment industry.
The recent developments, however, suggest that cross-border entertainment is again being caught in the middle of a much wider social and political dispute.
Zimbabwe’s National Arts Council has previously urged promoters to consider postponing performances by South African artists during the current period of heightened tensions, with its chief executive describing the approach as a precautionary measure rather than punishment or prejudice against artists.
Against this backdrop, the reaction to Khuzani’s announcement raises questions about whether the Bulawayo performance will proceed as planned and whether organisers have anticipated possible opposition.
It also remains important to establish what security arrangements, if any, have been put in place for the event, whether organisers have received any threats or indications of planned disruption, and whether the venue has formally confirmed the booking.
Africa Daily has approached Khuzani Mpungose and the organisers for clarity on the planned appearance.
Africa Daily will update this story once Khuzani, the organisers, the Bulawayo Athletic Club and other relevant parties respond.
