HARARE – Jamaican reggae star Sizzla Kalonji on Saturday came to the rescue of his Zimbabwean fans who were being bashed by riot police, soldiers and youths from the Border Gezi Youth training camps.
Sizzla, who was performing during the 21st February Movement gala, appeared on stage under heavy security from the security services who included the CIO.
Sizzla, whose real name is Miguel Orlando Collins, arrived in the country Thursday afternoon at the invitation of organizers of the extravagant event, organized to celebrate President Robert Mugabe’s 86th birthday.
Wild scenes greeted his appearance on stage at 2.15am.
Ecstatic fans broke a men barricade that was formed by the police to have a closer look at the reggae star on stage.
He was the star performer among a line up of local and foreign musicians.
The gala was also broadcast live on ZBC TV.
As he performed, he was surrounded by youths from the Border Gezi youth training camp, derisively known as Green Bombers, and a soldier.
CIO officials l dressed on suits were also on stage to boost security around him.
Suddenly, police started beating up the fans, apparently to control them, The commotion resulted in a brief stoppage of Sizzla’s performance. He pleaded with the police to stop the beatings.
“Please, security, take it easy,” said the musician. “Please stop beating up my fans. All the security please, climb up the stage.”
Agitated fans responded by throwing missiles at the police and were only restrained after the reggae artist appealed for calm.
“You know who brought me here?” asked the Jamaican artist, who did not even spend 30 minutes on stage, “It is President Mugabe. So you have got to be at your best behaviour. Set a good example. This is the 21st February movement. Please do not mess it up.”
OUR SOURCE: THE ZIMBABWE TIMES
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