Cape Town - Award-winning Zimbabwean musician Nox, born Enoch Guni, has called on Zimbabwean artists and event promoters to stand in solidarity with Zimbabweans affected by rising anti-immigrant tensions in South Africa, saying he cannot remain silent while members of his fan base endure hardship.
The urban grooves star, who recently announced he is relocating permanently to Zimbabwe after spending 18 years in South Africa, said his decision to return home had been made long before the current wave of anti-immigrant protests, arrests and reported repatriations of foreign nationals.
“My decision to come back home was made a long time ago. It's just a coincidence that it has happened at this time,” Nox told this publication.
Nox said South Africa played a pivotal role in shaping his music career after he moved there in 2008 to grow as an artist.
“I came to South Africa to learn and expand. Along the way, I was fortunate to collaborate with some of the country's biggest names, including Master KG and DJ Tira.”
Despite describing South Africa as an important chapter in his life, the musician said he has been deeply affected by the plight of Zimbabweans caught up in the on-going immigration crackdown.
“It becomes emotional seeing everything happening now. It is heart-breaking to see Zimbabweans with no shelter,” Nox said.
“These are the same people who used to come to our shows. I owe everything to those Zimbabweans who have supported me since I came to South Africa in 2008.”
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Although he has now returned to Zimbabwe, Nox said he continues to support humanitarian efforts being led by his wife, who, together with a friend, has been providing meals to hundreds of Zimbabweans camped outside the Zimbabwean Consulate in Johannesburg while awaiting assistance.
“My wife has always had a very big heart. She has been doing charity work long before we met,” he said.
“She decided to feed hundreds of Zimbabweans at the consulate, and although I am now in Zimbabwe, I am fully supporting what she is doing.”
Nox challenged fellow Zimbabwean artists, particularly those who regularly perform for Zimbabwean communities in South Africa, to publicly support those affected.
“It is unfair to remain silent. I challenge Zimbabwean artists who have benefited from Zimbabweans living in South Africa to stand with them during this difficult time,” he said.
He also urged both the Zimbabwean and South African governments to improve the treatment of documented foreign nationals during immigration enforcement operations.
“I know of documented foreigners who are getting arrested first and only verified afterwards. I don't think that's fair. There should be a better system,” he said.
The 42-year-old musician further called on Zimbabwean event promoters to temporarily suspend booking South African artists as a gesture of solidarity.
“If you already have an event planned, for now don’t bring in South African artists, especially those who have not spoken out against what is happening in their country,” Nox said."
His comments come after South African music duo Mafikizolo were removed from the line-up for Econet's Buddie Beatz concert in Zimbabwe following public criticism and calls from some social media users and artists, including Nox, for promoters to reconsider the booking amid the current tensions.
Looking ahead, Nox said his focus was now on rebuilding his life in Zimbabwe, where he plans to invest beyond music.
“Zimbabwe is open for business. The Zimbabwe I left in 2008 is different from the Zimbabwe I am seeing now,” Nox said.
“There are opportunities here, and I will be focusing on mining and agriculture.”
While he has not ruled out returning to South Africa in the future, he said the current climate makes that unlikely in the near term.
“I will go back to South Africa one day, but not now. Until things change, you won't see me there.”
