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

Popular songstress Sandra Ndebele has released the following video titled Usabvume. The song is meant to empower people from all walks of life to not let other people marginalise them on any grounds.
Sandra hogged the limelight a few weeks ago when a few photos from her photoshoot broke the internet.

WATCH: Sandra Ndebele's Newest Video Usabvume

In an interview with The Chronicle, Ms Simangani Gwemende said musician Sandra Ndebele-Sibindi is demanding that she repays nearly $90 000 which was stolen last week in an illegal money changing deal that went sour.
Mrs Lindiwe Moyo lost $80 000 (bond) and US$ 8 330 to two men and a woman who offered her a lift from Beitbridge to Bulawayo only to speed off without her after they had taken a recess in Colleen Bawn.
Ms Gwemende told The Chronicle Mrs Ndebele-Sibindi is now demanding that she pays back the money and allegedly forced her to sign an affidavit saying she would pay US$1 000 every day until the “debt” is cleared. Said Gwemende:
<blockquote>I work with Sandra Ndebele the singer. She usually gives me money in cash bond notes or bank transfers so that we can buy US dollars. So I also work with several other people who have their own ways of getting the US dollars. So what happened is that she had given me $100 000 bond notes to change it into forex as usual.</blockquote>
When The Chronicle contacted Mrs Ndebele-Sibindi, she claimed that she did not know Ms Gwemende and had nothing to do with the issue. However, the newspaper is in possession of an affidavit written by Ms Gwemende naming Mrs Ndebele-Sibindi in the case.
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/stolen-90k-belonged-to-sandra-ndebele/">Chronicle</a>

Stolen $90 000 Belonged To Sandra Ndebele- Money Changer

Musician, Sandra Ndebele-Sibindi passed her Zimsec Ordinary Level Maths with grade B.
Speaking to The Chronicle, Ndebele-Sibindi said that her experience should inspire Zimbabwean women and mothers to pursue their studies despite motherhood. Said Sandra:
<blockquote>There are people who have children and fail to  pursue and finish their studies. My passing Mathematics is a stepping stone for me to go further with my education. I’ve shown that no matter your responsibilities as a mother or a wife, you can finish your studies with hard work and determination.</blockquote>
She said that she will be now looking for a university place and revealed that she had already been offered a place to study Politics and Administration at Lupane State University.
More: <a href="http://www.chronicle.co.zw/beauty-with-brains-sandra-ndebele-passes-o-level-maths/">Chronicle</a>

Sandra Ndebele passes Zimsec O Level Maths

On Monday, <a href="http://www.pindula.co.zw/Sandra_Ndebele">Sandra Ndebele-Sibindi was</a> spotted going for revision lessons at Foundation College ahead of the Paper 1 exam on Tuesday.
Ndebele-Sibindi, who will be writing Paper 2 next Tuesday, said she was writing Mathematics exams as she wants to start teaching music. But for her to be able to do so, she needs to enrol at the Hillside Teachers College for a diploma in music, of which Mathematics is a a must.
Speaking to The Chronicle Ndebele-Sindi said,
<blockquote>I’m planning to pursue a diploma in music which requires me to have Mathematics. I have a lot of experience in the music industry and I think it’s about time I get to teach people how to produce music. For the past three months, I’ve been learning how to play the guitar at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo where Kwabatsha, through the Key Music project, are running a musical school.</blockquote>
More: <a href="http://www.chronicle.co.zw/sandra-ndebele-sits-for-o-levels/">Chronicle</a>

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