MPs demand ministerial statement on disrupted Winky D and Baba Harare Shows
Dzivarasekwa legislator Edwin Mushoriwa has asked the minister of Home Affairs Kazembe Kazembe to explain why Winky D and Baba Harare‘s shows were disrupted over the weekend.
Winky D’s show was allegedly disrupted by police at Dam View in Chitungwiza. Baba Harare was also banned from holding his show.
The disruption did not go down well with fans and human rights defenders. There is a feeling the musician who sang #Ibotso is being targeted for speaking out against social ills in the communities.
Baba Harare who sang Rita with Mai TT is targeted for urging young people to register to vote ahead of 2023 general elections.
This prompted Citizens Coalition for Change (Nelson Chamisa’s party) legislator Honourable Mushoriwa to seek answers on whether musicians are banned from singing social commentary songs in Zimbabwe.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Honourable Mushoriwa, said the minister must bring a ministerial statement explaining the situation.
“Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My point of National Interest is in response to the fact that 2 days ago, one of our popular musicians in this country Winky D’s show in Chitungwiza was disrupted by the police. A few hours after that, the show of another musician Baba Harare was also declined to be performed.
See Baba Harare’s song Haubvire
“Mr. Speaker Sir, musicians are the cog of our arts industry and they do give entertainment to all of us, hence I am requesting that the Honourable Minister of Home Affairs should come before this august House with a Ministerial Statement to explain what the situation is pertaining to our musicians, whether there is now limitation or ban that musicians can no longer perform and do their work without fear from being harassed.
“Primarily, I say this because if you read the provision of Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA), it does not require the sort of interference that we are actually seeing. So this is my request that can the Honourable Minister of Home Affairs come before this august House and explain the position because it is actually a stab on our arts industry which if you check from the Honourable Minister of Finance, has actually been generating some resources towards our gross domestic product,” he said.
Watch Winky D removed from stage at Damview
In his response, the Acting Speaker of the National Assembly urged the legislator to ask his questions during question and answer session on Wednesday.
“In as much as I have taken point of your national interest, may I remind you that tomorrow; Wednesday is the most appropriate day for you to pose that question.
“Maybe before you pose that request, ask a question to the Hon. Minister himself,” said the Acting Speaker. #Ibotso #WinkyD #BabaHarare
MPs demand ministerial statement on disrupted Winky D and Baba Harare Shows
