The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Wildlife has banned South African dancer, Zodwa Wabantu’s show in Malawi.
The show was expected to be held at Dominic’s in Blantyre on June 11, 2022.
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Wildlife, Michael Usi, confirmed that his ministry has told organisers not to go ahead with the show, saying the show is not fit for Malawi.
However, one of the organisers of the event, Biggie Lu, said Zodwa Wabantu, who goes on stage without underwear, was not expected to perform pantless in Malawi.
Other Countries Ban Zodwa
It is worth noting that this is not the first country that has banned Zodwa Wabantu from performing in the country. In 2017 the Controversial South African dancer was banned from a Zimbabwean national event over her nudity antics.
According to reports, Wabantu was banned after a local actress, Anne Nhira, complained that the invitation for the SA dancer to a Harare International Carnival was against all ideals.
The actress had taken issue with Wabantu stating that she dances “erotically” with no panties and was extremely over hyped at the expense of local talent.
“Zodwa dances with no panties and posts naked pictures on social media. How does that qualify her to be a Zimbabwe national tourist attraction and to attend a function of the highest stature this year?” Nhira questioned.
In response, the Zimbabwean authorities through the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality said that Wabantu’s performance had been cancelled.
“I acknowledge your complaint on the above subject matter. Government position is that the artist concerned (Zodwa Wabantu) may not participate at the Harare International Carnival. In this regard, relevant authorities have been notified,” a statement from the Minister read in part.
In 2018, the performer was also banned in Zambia with authorities arguing that her public performances undermine the country’s national values.
She was due to perform in Lusaka during the launch of an album ‘Pandemonium’ by Zambian musician Karasa Karayo.
National Guidance and Religious Affairs Minister, Godfridah Sumaili, told local media that the government would not allow Zodwa to “strut her stuff anywhere in the country”.
Godfridah Sumaili said: “It is clear we are a Christian nation and we uphold the values of morality and ethic as a nation. We cannot allow such. I mean, someone performing without underwear, there’s no morality there”.
The decision to ban her sparked a heated debate online with some Zambians criticising the government.
Owas Mwape, an actor and comedian, said the government’s stance was “pretentious and hindering the growth of the entertainment industry”.
Singer and radio personality, Emmanuel Nyoni said despite not being a fan of the dancer, the minister’s statement on Zodwa performing without underwear was “both a lowdown and hypocritical”.
Ms Sumaili said the show promoter had not applied for a permit for Zodwa but that the government would not grant it.
Legally called Rebecca Libram, Wabantu started dancing in night clubs in South Africa and has over the last years become a popular dancer and television personality.
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