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Madlela Skhobokhobo

Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
Man of the moment Madlela Skhobokhobo says music is apolitical and is meant to entertain people and nothing else.

This comes after Madlela Skhobokhobo, real name Bashimane Mothusi Ndlovu, of the hit song Ngamnanka uSaMamoe, performed at the Zanu-PF Presidential youth Interface rally at Somhlolo Stadium in Lupane, Matabeleland North province on Friday.

After his performance, Dlelas as he’s affectionately known by his legion of fans, has been subjected to bashing on social media from some unscrupulous people questioning why he was part of the rally.

Madlela Skhobokhobo, who brandishes an axe as part of his character, said he has a God given talent that he will share with people he wanted regardless of one’s political affiliation.

“People shouldn’t use us as artistes to fight their political wars as we are here to entertain the nation. We have, as artistes, fans across the political divide.

When I’m not asked to do party slogans and the like, I’ll gladly perform. I was asked to perform Ngamnanka uSaMamoe which is popular with the people and I  accepted,” said Madlela Skhobokhobo.

He said those who were persecuting him should learn to be politically tolerant.

“We should be tolerant as Zimbabweans and accept that as artistes we are free to perform for different audiences,” said Madlela Skhobokhobo.

Responding on Facebook Madlela Skhobokhobo said when he entered Somhlolo Stadium, he was greeted like a hero and raised his axe as he did not know how to greet the crowd without making a gesture that could have been interpreted politically.

“When I entered the stadium, I was greeted by wild cheers and people waving, but I didn’t know how to respond. I said to myself if I raise a fist, people will say we knew that he was a Zanu-PF supporter. If I waved at them with open palms it’d have been said we knew  he was an MDC sympathiser. People, you’re making our lives hard. But because I’m loyal to this God given talent I’d to lift ihloka lami ngibulise isizwe sakithi (my axe to greet our people),” said Madlela Skhobokhobo.

He said there was no one who knew which party he supported as it was his secret and does not want to be pulled into politics.

“I’m just an artist who gets paid to be on stage. Anything outside of that, people will be just giving me a hard time. Let me entertain people with the God given talent and don’t put words in my mouth,” said Madlela Skhobokhobo.

He said after he performed he was approached by a man who wanted to book him for a show in Mutare.

“When I ended my performance for my fans in Lupane, as I got off stage some man came running towards me. He wanted to book me for a show in Mutare.

This is what we do as musicians; take our art to the people,” said Madlela Skhobokhobo. — @bonganinkunzi