Rising xenophobic tensions across parts of Southern Africa are increasingly spilling into the arts and entertainment industry, disrupting festivals, reshaping performance line-ups and placing regional cultural collaborations under growing pressure.
What has long been a thriving exchange between Zimbabwean and South African artistes is now being tested by heated debates over immigration, political tensions and social media campaigns that are influencing decisions made by event organisers across the region.
The renewed debate around illegal immigration in South Africa has extended beyond political discourse into cultural spaces, where some audiences are calling for foreign performers to be excluded from local events as an expression of solidarity with domestic concerns.
Industry stakeholders say the growing uncertainty is beginning to affect the livelihoods of artistes, promoters and service providers who depend on regional events and cross-border collaborations.
Event organisers say bookings are increasingly vulnerable to public pressure, with some international acts being removed from festivals after line-ups are announced.
“This is no longer just about entertainment — it’s about survival for some artistes,” said one Harare-based event organiser.
“You can have a fully booked international act today and lose them tomorrow because of online pressure.”
The changing landscape has already affected several high-profile events in Zimbabwe.
South African musician Musa Keys was recently removed from the line-up for The Mighty Zambezi Bonfire Festival, which is scheduled for Saturday at Donnybrook Park in Harare. Organisers later released a revised promotional poster featuring an all-Zimbabwean line-up following mounting public pressure on social media.
Similarly, South African music duo Mafikizolo was dropped from the Buddie Beatz concert scheduled for Sunday, a move that generated widespread debate over whether entertainment should remain separate from political tensions or reflect prevailing public sentiment.
Pressure has also mounted ahead of Alick Macheso’s Cheso Power Festival, where some fans have taken to social media urging organisers to remove South African singer Makhadzi from the programme.
Beyond Zimbabwe, reports suggest that some Zimbabwean and other foreign artistes have also experienced reduced bookings or cancellations at certain South African township festivals amid calls by some groups to prioritise local performers.
Although not every reported cancellation has been officially confirmed by organisers, industry players say the trend reflects growing sensitivity around foreign performers and the increasing influence of public opinion on programming decisions.
Promoters say they are now factoring what they describe as “public sentiment risk” into festival planning alongside traditional considerations such as budgets, sponsorship commitments and logistical arrangements.
The result has been greater caution when booking regional headliners, with many organisers increasingly opting for locally based performers to minimise the risk of public backlash.
One of the most visible examples is The Mighty Zambezi Bonfire Festival, which returns this year after a four-year break.
Traditionally celebrated as an outdoor lifestyle experience built around music, storytelling, food and social interaction, the festival had initially planned to feature regional collaborations.
However, organisers have since shifted focus towards showcasing Zimbabwean talent.
The revised line-up now features performers including Djembe Monks, Kotwane Hikwa, DJ Klique, ExQ, WowRae, Sam Cosmic, Takura and Tammy Moyo.
Festival organisers say the event remains committed to its original vision of bringing people together through culture, music and shared experiences.
“The Mighty Zambezi Lager Bonfire Festival has always been more than just an event; it is a unique lifestyle and cultural experience made for our Zambezians. It brings us together to enjoy Zambezi Lager and celebrate the great outdoors, music and storytelling while building connections around the warmth of one large, unifying bonfire,” the organisers said.
Ahead of the main event, a series of Bonfire Micro Events have already been staged in Kadoma, Bulawayo and Harare as organisers sought to rebuild momentum following the festival’s lengthy absence.
Despite these efforts, stakeholders warn that increasing political tensions within the entertainment industry could undermine decades of regional cultural cooperation that has allowed artistes to build audiences across borders.
While organisers continue balancing audience expectations, commercial realities and security considerations, many believe sustained dialogue and regional cooperation will be essential to preserving Southern Africa’s vibrant cultural exchange and ensuring that the entertainment industry remains a platform for unity rather than division.
