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Henry Olonga calls for the right to demonstrate
Taurai Maduna, Kubatana.net
April 06, 2005

Former Zimbabwean international fast bowler, Henry Olonga together with Thabani Mpofu a Zimbabwean singer/songwriter based in the UK, have released a protest single entitled "Right To Demonstrate." The song was written three years ago and was recently recorded in the UK.

On being asked in a BBC interview if the song was a direct attack on President Mugabe, Thabani said the song is not directed at the Mugabe government but at any Government that does not allow it’s people to be free. He said: "It’s a direct attack on any government that does not allow its people to have free democratic speech and free democratic rights to go and vote."

Thabani said he got in touch with Olonga soon after the Cricket World Cup when Olongo openly mourned the death of democracy in Zimbabwe. He added that Olonga was the ideal person to work with on the song because of the brave stance he had taken wearing a black armband in protest of the failing democracy in Zimbabwe.

After wearing black armbands Olonga and Andy Flower released a statement which read, in part: "We cannot in good conscience take to the field and ignore the fact that millions of our compatriots are starving, unemployed and oppressed."

When asked if he was an activist Olonga replied, "As an artist I believe it is my responsibility, because I have a voice to try and represent those people who ain’t in the position that I am in."

Olonga came onto the music scene in 2002 when he released his single "Our Zimbabwe". In 2003 Olonga told the BBC that he had a great passion for music and that he had plans to release "a double cd of classical music with an eclectic edge".

Olonga joins the ranks of Hugh Masekela, Thomas Mapfumo and Raymond Majongwe amongst others who have compiled protest music criticizing the Mugabe government.

*Taurai Maduna is an Information Officer with Kubatana.net

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