During a show held last week in Canada, Viriri, whose stage name is Drika said he is of the conviction that artists are supposed to be independent from politicians as they are responsible for providing checks and balances in society.
When they are spoiled with gifts from ruling party politicians and business people linked to political elites, their role is eroded away, said Viriri.
The reggae artist said he would “never” allow himself to be captured by political elites and would continue to stand on the side of the masses no matter the consequences.
His sentiments have drawn criticism from Zanu PF aligned activists under the banner of Varakashi on X formerly Twitter.
Viriri has received threats of harassment, torture and even death for daring to speak out against the excesses of the regime.
“Uri mwana mudiki stereki and this time unofira mahara. Hausiriwe welutanga and hausiriwe wekupedzisira,” said one Zanu PF supporter identified as PasiNemabhunu -implying Down with the White People.
Loosely translated, the message to Viriri meant that “You are too young and you will die for nothing.” You are not the first one and you will not be the last one.”
Zimbabwean artists who have dared to speak out against oppression, corruption and misgovernance in general have faced the wrath of the regime and its supporters.
Top Zimbabwean reggae artist, Winky D has been denied airplay from state run radios and the country’s sole television station, ZBCTV. Winky D has been vocal about misgovernance which has largely contributed to Zimbabwe’s socio-economic and political crises.
His shows have often been disrupted by police under instruction from the government while other artists have been warned against collaborating with the musician.
And Viriri, who says he has chosen to remain firm and committed in his push for a just and prosperous Zimbabwe could be facing the same fate.
“As musicians, our job is to promote a fair and equal society, not to be bootlickers of oppressors. We should never be seen to be on the side of the oppressors or to be enjoying the loot that these oppressors get at the expense of the suffering majority. I choose to stand with the suffering people of Zimbabwe and let it be. I am against this whole movement of giving musicians cars. It is not appropriate for artists or influencers to be affiliated especially given the economic hardships in our country,” said Viriri.
Artists who have chosen to join the looting wagon who include Holy Ten, Enzo Ishall had their shows slated for America cancelled by promoter Larry Kays Promotions in 2023. This followed their open allegiance to ZANU PF after they had been showered with gifts and cars.
Ironically, Larry Kays Promotions is Viriri’s promoter.
ZANU PF activist, Kudzai Mutisi, who is on record threatening artists such as Winky D said Viriri had chosen to “join the bandwagon of anti-government activists”. His message implies that Viriri could get a serious backlash from the state as has been the case with other artists that have chosen to speak out against misgovernance.
ZANU PF Information Director, Farai Marapira who is on record challenging artists speaking out against the government said he was busy when reached out for a comment over the utterances by.
“I am busy at the moment but our position with those artists has always been clear. They are anti-government and have no space here in Zimbabwe. Call me later for a detailed response,” he said.
However, efforts to contact him later were in vain as his phone remained unanswered.
Freedom of expression is largely under threat in Zimbabwe as has been characterised by the clampdown on artists speaking against malpractices by the government.
This has been worsened by the apparent determination on the part of the ruling party to consolidate authoritarianism and move the country towards a one-party state.
A fellow artist who spoke on condition of anonymity said the threats against Viriri cannot be taken lightly.
“Most artists are aware of the rot in Zimbabwe but because the regime is brutal we choose to keep quiet. It is only a few such as Winky and Viriri that choose to speak the truth but we are all aware of the consequences, which can even imply death. This is a serious issue and we fear for one of us but we continue to pray for his safety,” said the artist.
Post published in: Entertainment