“We will go to Zimbabwe”: SA artists badly affected by Mr Brown’s deportation
South African artists are bewailing how Zimbabwean producer Mr Brown’s deportation has badly affected them.
Mr Brown’s Deportation from South Africa
South Africa’s Home Affairs department deported Mr Brown, whose real name is Lynol Siwela, who had been living and working in South Africa for several years. The department chucked him out in May 2023 because he had overstayed his visa in South Africa by a month.
After the visa and deportation drama, Mr Brown could sort out his papers and return. However, he was reluctant because of the conflict between Makhadzi and Open Mic then. He said he did not want to seem like he was taking sides. Hence, he reckoned on staying in Zimbabwe.
Since setting base in Zimbabwe, the prolific producer has been on a drive to revive local music. He has been working with Zimbabwean musicians and linking them with established South African artists. He does not seem keen on returning to South Africa any time soon.
Mr Brown’s Deportation
SA Artists Badly Affected By Mr Brown’s Deportation [Image: Mr Brown/Facebook]
SA Musicians Feel His Absence
When Mr Brown was deported, he had been working with other South African artists. These projects halted the moment the Home Affairs sent the Zimbabwean packing.
For instance, Mr Brown worked on a song by Innocent Mzimela, known as TyraQeed. The musician is planning to drop the track, Ghodoba, next week. They also had to shoot the music video for the song, but everything went down the drain after the deportation.
Zimoja spoke to TyraQeed, who revealed that Mr Brown is reluctant to come to SA. A source said he turned down TyraQeed’s offer to cover his expenses.
TyraQeed is ready to go to Zimbabwe for the shoot:
“I would like to shoot the video with him because the song is good, and he is a great part of the song. The South African music industry was hit hard by COVID-19, leaving many artists struggling to make ends meet. The loss of Mr Brown’s skills is a further blow to the industry, which is already struggling to survive.”
