By Sindiso Dube
Musician and producer Sani Makhalima has openly thrown his weight behind the newly formed Citizens Coalition for Change party led by Nelson Chamisa if his recent social media engagements are anything to go by.
The Australian based artist is famed for songs such as Ndipe Rudo and yesteryear hits Usadaro, Ndofefeterwa, Seiko and many more.
Makhalima joins a host of artistes, who have spoken out against President Emerson Mnangagwa’s government and called for a change in the country’s administration.
The musician first made his support for Chamisa public when he commented on the opposition leader’s post.
Commenting on Chamisa’s post on Facebook, Makhalima said: “May we as Zimbabweans be blessed with a brighter tomorrow. Our generation’s blood, sweat and tears shouldn’t be in vain.”
Chamisa had written: “The young shall build a new, great Zimbabwe.” The post was accompanied by a picture of the 44-year-old opposition leader taking a selfie with a group of children.
Last week, the Ndipe Rudo hit maker intensified his support for CCC after he attached a poster of Chamisa with the hashtag #YellowFriday where his followers are encouraged to wear yellow coloured clothes to show support and solidarity with the newly launched party.
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Recently Makhalima posted another message, which insinuated regime change and the importance of voter registration.
“I represent a generation of Zimbabweans with a lost, stolen and sad youth because of a system that’s being supported to suppress our happiness. I am tired of the lies, 20 years now and it hurts watching my old parents cry because their life’s work was washed away by corruption and greed,” he posted.
Contacted for a comment, Makhalima said he was going to issue a press statement in due course.
Meanwhile, United States-based musician Thomas Mapfumo openly put his weight behind Chamisa when he sent a birthday message on Wednesday after the opposition leader turned 44.
Mapfumo delivered the message through a video, playing one of his songs dubbed The People’s Choice in the background.
“Congratulations on your 44th birthday, May God and ancestors be praised and worshiped. We also ask God and ancestors to keep and protect you and grant you more years on earth,” Mapfumo said.
“I ask you to stay obedient with the citizens, the citizens are the power and they are the ones who rule.
“Your power is with the people, so stay with the people.”
Mapfumo is known for criticising the Robert Mugabe regime, which led to his exile. He is now taking on the Mnangagwa regime head on.
Pressure from fans is mounting on top artistes Winky D and Jah Prayzah to openly speak about politics and show, which side they are on and use their influence to push for change.
At one time Jah Prayzah was associated with Zanu PF’s Lacoste faction and his Kutonga Kwaro song and album was used as the soundtrack of the November 2017 military coup that saw the ouster of the late Mugabe and the ascendance to power of Mnangagwa.
Winky D on the other hand was associated with Chamisa as he sang songs that talk about poor governance and human rights abuses.
In 2028, the dancehall superstar stirred controversy with the popular street catch-phrase Kudira Jecha (translated to disrupting) derived from his song Kasong keJecha, which was perceived to be politically aligned to Chamisa.
Chamisa made the assumptions grow wider after showing off his dance moves at a demonstration in Harare.
However, Winky D has never openly spoken about his political allegiance.
Last year, singer Sulumani Chimbetu apparently upset Zanu PF supporters after he appeared in Hwindi President’s 2020 song, Chirwere.
Sulu was also seen in pictures with the MDC Alliance Member of Parliament for Harare West Joana Mamombe and Zimbabwe National Students Union president Takudzwa Ngadziore, attracting backlash from Zanu PF supporters.
Recently Stunner was seen in a video with two Zanu PF supporters showing off the Zanu PF regalia and chanting slogans praising Mnangagwa.
Madam Boss and Lorraine Guyo insinuated their support for Chamisa and the Citizens Coalition for Change when they posted pictures in yellow regalia on a Friday which was meant to drum up support under the banner Yellow Friday.
