ZANU PF has asserted that no one possesses the authority to cancel artists in Zimbabwe, countering the increasing calls on social media for people and promoters to distance themselves from artists who were seen dining with political elites from the ruling party. Notably, artists like Holy Ten, Ricky Fire, Poptain, Enzo Ishall, DJ Levels, Kicky Badass, Sandra Ndebele, and Ras Pompy have openly endorsed ZANU PF and its presidential candidate, Emmerson Mnangagwa, ahead of the forthcoming August 23 harmonised elections.
Following their endorsement of the ruling party, Larry Kays, who promotes Zimbabwean artists in America, cancelled music shows involving Holy Ten and Enzo Ishall. He said:
<blockquote>
I’m so disappointed i had to cancel all my plans with these artists, as an artist once you are captured that’s it, they don’t really like you but your influence, you don’t rub it in your vote is your secret be professional and be an artist for all. 
</blockquote>
Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono predicted that the artistes who are endorsing the ruling party will lose followers. He said:
<blockquote>
Like many before them who endorsed corrupt and repressive rule, Holy Ten and his mates will lose out on international gigs as many Zimbabweans abroad hold ZANUPF responsible for their having to leave the country. Artists like Andy Brown lost their huge followers because of their endorsement and dalliance with ZANU PF. Playing music at ZANUPF rallies is one thing because it is professional work, endorsing it is a whole different ballgame for many people.
</blockquote>
Responding to calls to cancel the artistes, the ZANU PF party said:
<blockquote>
No one can cancel artists in Zimbabwe. Let’s just enjoy artists’ music without attacking them for their political choices.
</blockquote>
The post faced criticism on social media, with users accusing the ruling party of hypocrisy and double standards. They accused the ruling party and certain government officials of heavily criticising Winky D’s album, Eureka Eureka, leading to its alleged ban on state-run radios. Social media users questioned why ZANU PF attacked Winky D for allegedly delving into politics while simultaneously protecting those who were aligned with the ruling party. 
Some commentators pointed out examples of artistes whose careers took a downturn after showing support for the ruling party. They mentioned Bryan Mteki, Tambaoga, Simon Chimbetu, Andy Brown, and Chinx Chingaira as musicians who faced negative consequences after being associated with ZANU PF. They said aligning with the party can have detrimental effects on an artistes’ success. 
  
Following the criticism, musician Ricky Fire, who was among the artistes attacked for attending a ZANU PF event, defended his decision to attend. He stated that it is unfair for someone to judge him for simply having lunch with people who may not be favoured by others. Ricky Fire emphasised that he prioritizes his family and their well-being. He asserted that he has the freedom to make his own choices, and he does not concern himself with seeking approval or gaining popularity on social media. He said his focus remains on his family and their real-life experiences. A few months ago, Ricky Fire attended Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) events and was seen wearing the party’s regalia as a sign of endorsing the Nelson Chamisa-led outfit.
The criticism faced by artistes associated with ZANU PF, while those aligned with CCC (Citizens Coalition for Change) are not being attacked, is largely based on the belief that ZANU PF is responsible for the socio-economic and political challenges in the country. Endorsing the party is seen as endorsing the issues such as unemployment, inflation, human rights violations, corruption, and looting that are associated with it.
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ZANU PF Says No One Can Cancel Artists In Zimbabwe

Zimdancehall artiste, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Ricky_Fire">Ricky Fire</a>, whose real name is Tulani Takavada, has accused music producer and promoter <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/DJ_Fantan">DJ Fantan</a> of hypocrisy.
This comes after the Chillspot Records co-proprietor claimed that Winky D “used” young musicians whom he mentored on his latest album to propagate a political message before dumping them.
Posting on his Facebook page, Ricky Fire said DJ Fantan does not have the moral authority to claim that Winky D dragged young musicians into politics saying it was indeed the music producer who made young artistes sing at political events, presumably ZANU PF political rallies. Said Ricky Fire:
<blockquote>
Rega ndiisewo mafungiro angu apa handina hangu any bad blood na Fantan, Fantan munin’ina wangu and i love him ende iye anozviziva…
But paunoendesa vana vacho ivavo kunoimba kuma rally enyu paya hakusi futi here kuva involver mu politics???
Saka politics chinoipa chete kana dzaitwa ne different part asi kana dzichiitwa nemi dziribho?
Chete dindingwe rinonaka richakweva rimwe 😂😂
</blockquote>
<h2>What DJ Fantan said</h2>
Without mentioning Winky D by name, DJ Fantan said he was pained by the fact that he groomed the young musicians who were allegedly used and then dumped by the Zimdancehall chanter.
He said it was wrong for Winky D to use the young musicians under the guise of assisting them knowing he had a hidden agenda.
Fantan claimed that Winky D is currently in Dubai with his family enjoying the funds he was given for the political project, in an apparent reference to “Ureka”. He wrote on Facebook:
<blockquote>
Ndanga ndanzwa nevanhu vachiti ko sei ndakanyara iye mukuru akabuditsa dambarefu. Vamwe ndai ignore but since mibvunzo yawanda here is my point of view.
Yes, I was excited to hear about the project. I was happy to see other artistes featuring for once pama gitare emukuru.
This time he included other artists which was a dream come true for all of us, vaida kuonawo chimuti chichitambidzanwa from one generation to another and to see two generations combining.
But sa elder mu industry when you do certain projects you must enlighten the youths you engage zvizere kuti project riri funded and tave kuimba zvematongerwo enyika so that anopinda achida nemoyo wake munyaya dzacho.
Ini ndiri kutaura se munhu aka groomer and aka mentor most of the youths vari pa project iroro.
Zvirikundirwadza to see them crying behind the scenes kuti takakandwa pasi pe bhazi nemukuru wedu kumagitare.
Right now mukuru vaya vari ku Dubai ku Holiday ne family yavo zvavo zvakaita. Isusu now tava pama1 because some companies no longer want to associate with us because they dont want their brands associated ne politics of any nature.
As elders ibasa redu to groom, guide and protect vana. Its cruel kuti as an elder in a position yekuvimbiwa nevana unozovaitisa uchiziva kuti yako life irikufamba.
This is my opinion hapana daka feel free to have your own opinion.
Anyway, have a blessed day to everyone. God bless you all. Together, tirimurudo rwemazvokwadi, we can take Zim music to the world.
</blockquote>

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