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Malawi bans South African dancer, Zodwa Wabantu, from entering country over erotic dance moves

Published

3 years ago

on

June 4, 2022

By

Africa News Watch

The government of Malawi has banned South African dancer and entertainer, Zodwa Wabantu, from coming into the country to perform because her raunchy and erotic dance moves.

The Malawian Ministry of Tourism and Culture in a memo to the show organisers stopping Wabantu from entering the country, said her explicit dance moves are out of tune with the country’s moral standards.

The controversial South African celebrity has made a career and international recognition from her raunchy and suggestive dancing styles which include wearing revealing clothes and often going on stage without any underwear.

She was scheduled for a performance in the southern Malawian city of Blantyre on June 11, but the show’s organisers put up a statement on Saturday afternoon to say they have received communication from the country’s censorship board that the South African will not be allowed to enter the country.

The country’s Tourism and Culture Minister, Micheal Usi, also told a local newspaper that he backed the decision to stop Wabantu from coming into the country.

The newspaper quoted the Minister as saying that he had received numerous calls from local women opposed to the South African performing in Malawi and there was no way she would be allowed into the country on the back of such widespread complaints.

“Imagine if she came to perform and undressed on stage, what will all those women think of me?” The Minister was quoted.

Malawi, a secular state with a liberal constitution that guarantees freedom of expression, however, remains culturally conservative with most citizens leaning towards the Christian faith and frowns at attitude they deem not confirming to them.

This is not the first time Wabantu would be sanctioned by an African country as she was stopped from entering Zimbabwe in 2017, while Zambia deported her in 2018 ovet similar issues of performing raunchy dance moves and performing waves for the fact that she performs without wearing panties.

Wabantu whose real name is Rebecca Libram, started dancing in night clubs in South Africa and has over the last fear years become a popular dancer and television personality.

Related Topics:Dancer Entertainer Featured Malawi Zonda Wabantu

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Obama names three African artistes in his Favorite Music list 2024

Published

4 weeks ago

on

December 28, 2024

By

Isaac Dachen

In keeping with the tradition of naming his favourite music list of the year, former United States President, Barack Obama, has released his favorite music from 2024, which includes three African artistes.

The Obama Favorite Music list 2024, which he dropped on social media, has Nigerian stars Asake, Rema, and South African Ampiona sensation, Tyla, alongside Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, amongst other world-renowned stars.

While dropping the list, the former US President wrote:

“Here are my favorite songs from this year! Check them out if you’re looking to shake up your playlist – and let me know if there’s a song or artist I should make sure to listen to.”

The top picks for Obama’s shortlist were Billie Eilish’s “Lunch,” Jordan Adetunji’s “Kehlani,” Tommy Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby,” Karol G’s “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido,” Bonny Light Horseman’s “Old Dutch,” Central Cee, Asake’s “Active,” Lil Baby’s “Band4band,” Rema’s “Yayo”, Karol G’s “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” and “Gata Only” by FloyyMenor and Cris MJ.
and more.

The Obama Favorite Music of 2024 list also showcased a vibrant mix of genres and artists, reflecting his diverse musical preferences, spanning hip-hop, R&B, jazz, and reggaeton, showcasing his appreciation for a variety of musical styles.

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Moroccan tourist arrivals hit record-breaking 16 million

Published

4 weeks ago

on

December 27, 2024

By

Isaac Dachen

The year 2024 has seen Morocco celebrate a record-breaking 16 million tourist arrivals, surpassing the 12 million mark set in 2023, with the country continuing to see impressive growth in tourist arrivals.

Data from the country’s Ministry of Tourism, the Directorate of Studies and Financial Forecasts (DEPF) reveals that additional indicators reveal that the sector reached remarkable numbers in just 10 months, surpassing the total number of arrivals typically seen in a full year.

According to the new details from the directorate, which is affiliated to the Ministry of Economy, the country’s tourism revenues reached MAD 96.9 billion by the end of October, an increase of 9.3% compared to the same period last year.

A statement by the Ministry said
Morocco notably reached a new record of 14.6 million tourists by the end of October, the directorate indicated, noting that this far surpassed the previous record set at the end of 2023 in just 10 months.

“The number marks a 19% increase year on year, representing 2.3 million additional arrivals by the end of October 2024,” it said.

“This remarkable growth is driven both by foreign tourists, whose numbers have increased by 22%, and Moroccans living abroad.

“This past October was an especially strong month for the Moroccan hospitality industry. Approximately 1.5 million visitors traveled to the North African country during that month, representing an increase of 30% compared to October last year,” it stated.

The Ministry of Tourism celebrated the upward trend during a meeting of the Moroccan National Tourism’s Board of Directors held on Monday, with data showing that the North African country saw a record 15.87 million visitors by the end of November, marking a 20% increase while tourism revenues soared to MAD 97 billion.

“The sector achieved a growth rate of 19%, higher than the world average of 12% and most competing destinations,” the Moroccan Tourism Office said.

Speaking at the event, Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor:

“Our tourism roadmap is bearing fruit and we can now enter the year 24 with confidence and determination.”

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