Famous South African pant-less dancer Zodwa Wabantu has been barred by Zambia Authority from entering the country to “avoid corrupting public morals”.
According to allafrica.com, National Guidance and Religious Affairs Minister Godfridah Sumaili told state-run newspaper The Times of Zambia that the government would not allow Zodwa to “strut her stuff anywhere in the country”.
“It is clear we are a Christian nation and we uphold the values of morality and ethics… as a nation, we cannot allow such. I mean, someone performing without underwear, there’s no morality there,” she was quoted as saying.
Last year, Zimbabwean acting minister of Tourism and Hospitality Patrick Zhuwao took similar measure and ruled that the Durbanite, famous for her sultry moves and revealing clothes, will not be allowed to perform at the Harare International Carnival.
According to iol.co.za, the dancer was barred from participating in the carnival following a compliant by actress Anne Nhira to the tourism board that Wabantu should not be invited because she was not a Zimbabwean, she dressed scantily and she was a lesbian.
In a letter to Nhira, Zhuwao stated: “The government position is that the artist concerned, Zodwa Wabantu, may not participate at the Harare International Carnival. In this regard, relevant authorities have been notified.”
Zodwa, a controversial dancer, is popular in southern Africa for her salacious dancing and not wearing panties.
She was due to perform in Lusaka at the weekend during the launch of an album titled Pandemonium by Zambian musician Karasa Karayo.
The decision to ban her sparked a heated debate online with some Zambians criticising the government.
Owas Mwape, an actor and comedian, said the government’s stance was “pretentious and hindering the growth of the entertainment industry”.
Singer and radio personality Emmanuel Nyoni said despite not being a fan of the dancer, the minister’s statement on Zodwa performing without underwear was “both a lowdown and hypocritical”.
The organisers of the concert are yet to comment.
Ms Sumaili said the show promoter had not applied for a permit for Zodwa but that the government would not grant it.
