Malloti Withdraws From UK Show After Insulting Nurse Aides

Controversial Zimdancehall singer Malloti Rose has refused to apologise for insulting Zimbabwean nurse aides in the UK, and has instead pulled out of the upcoming Y2K SAMA Festival, where she was scheduled to perform in April.

In a statement to the organisers, Malloti said she was submitting her “official withdrawal application with immediate effect” and would not be refunding the US$1,650 security deposit. She wrote:

“The SAMA Festival had suggested that I must apologise to Nurse aide’s in The UK. I do not see any problem with what I said, you knew I had a pending case in South Africa that I defaulted court.

“The reason why you booked me is because you confirmed that my case wouldn’t affect my visa application.

“If I must ask forgiveness face to go on with the show, That means consider this as my official withdrawal application with immediate effect from Malloti as an independent artist who had her own contract as an individual artist.

“So that I can update my gig guide and announce that 4 April is now open for bookings.

You had given me a security deposit of $1 650 and I will not be refunding it that’s if you decide that we can’t continue with show since I didn’t apologize.”

Her husband, fellow Zimdancehall artist Hulengende, also pulled out of the UK show in solidarity, saying he had advised his wife not to apologise and to withdraw instead.

The controversy started when Malloti ranted about Ireland-based socialite Ketina Masomera, claiming that most Zimbabweans at UK music shows were disorganised and worked as low-paid nurse aides.

She also referred to nurse aides as “Ma Zimbabweans echinherera” (Zimbabweans without money or who are poor).

Activists, including Ketina, have reacted angrily, threatening to have Malloti deported on arrival in the UK, citing her alleged criminal links and claims that she is a wanted fugitive in South Africa.