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Big Nuz is coming to Zim next month for the “Zerophobia, A Voice against Xenophobia” tour

Brenda Phiri Entertainment Reporter
South African music group Big Nuz has scheduled two shows in the country next month after cancelling another gig in Bulawayo barely a fortnight ago over xenophobia fears.

The group cancelled the Bulawayo show saying they feared Zimbabweans would attack them in retaliation to xenophobic violence that has affected African foreigners in South Africa.

Dubbed “Zerophobia, A Voice against Xenophobia” the upcoming tour will begin in Beitbridge on May 22 at Pagomba Cafe while the other gig is in Bulawayo the following day at a venue to be announced.

The organisers, Zero One One Entertainment, are South Africa-based promoters who were also behind the cancelled Big Nuz show.

“The concert has an awareness theme that is meant to denounce xenophobia. Threats or no threats, Big Nuz said they will come this time. They want to prove they are against xenophobia,” said Zero One One’s Sammy Washaya.

Washaya was making reference to social media retaliation threats allegedly directed to the group ahead of the aborted tour.

He however said the coming shows will have heavy security presence. “The security will be tight. We want to make sure all goes according to plan,” he said.

“We launched a zerophobic campaign in Bulawayo on April 17 this year. The event was graced by various artistes, among other people.

“The Bulawayo mayor addressed the people, encouraging them to be peaceful,” he said. The campaign took place at Amphitheatre in Bulawayo and saw artistes and various stakeholders carrying placards with anti-xenophobia messages.

In a previous interview after the cancellation of the first gig, Washaya said the South African group was saddened by the attacks being perpetrated against foreigners in their country. He said they were looking for an opportunity to speak out against xenophobia.