An eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) pastor is not happy that controversial performer Zodwa Wabantu is on a music concert line-up with gospel artists in the neighbouring country.
Zodwa has hit back at the complaint by eSwatini League of African Churches president Bishop Samson Hlatshwayo, who slammed her inclusion at the festival scheduled for August 3 at Manzini Club that also features gospel artists for compromising Christianity.
Zodwa, famous for her colourful dance and sexually provocative moves while not wearing an underwear, is one of several South African artists who are booked to perform at the Baceth Music Festival, alongside Babes Wodumo and DJ Tira. Speaking to the Times of Swaziland this week,
Bishop Hlatshwayo warned organisers about mixing “the gospel with worldly things” and said if a festival involved gospel singers, it should only be a gospel festival. He also questioned how one could stand up and preach, and then another performer do something opposite.
Zodwa hit back at Bishop Hlatswayo’s comments, telling TshisaLIVE, the clergyman should focus on his own craft and not disrupt her getting coins.
“Gospel artists are paid, just like me, by the promoters and they can refuse the money if they want. I will be there, no matter what he says. He must go to church and let people pay him in tithe and leave us to make our money.”
Baceth Music Festival publicist Mduduzi Mabuza told TshisaLIVE they had noted the concerns, but Zodwa would remain on the line-up.
“The event will go ahead as we have advertised and all the artists who were booked will perform, including Zodwa. Whoever is booked but is not comfortable with Zodwa performing can withdraw themselves from the festival.”
But Bacede ‘Baceth’ Mabuza, the founder of Baceth Hardware, apologised to the Christians in an interview with a local radio stations for the comments Zodwa made.
“I do not have an idea what was discussed by the entertainer and the publication as I was not there, but I want to take this time and apologise to all the pastors in the country. I retract the statement that was made by the entertainer,” Mabuza is quoted as saying.
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