DURBAN - Zambia has deported controversial South African dancer Zodwa Wabantu, who is known for performing without underwear, accusing her of "undermining national values”.
A letter from the National Zambian Arts Council read: “Based on the preview of some of her shows in other countries, the continuation of the show will be contrary to public interest and will undermine our national values.”
Her Zambian promoter, Lucky Munakampe, confirmed yesterday that Wabantu had been deported.
The racy dancer had been due to perform in Lusaka at the launch of a music album organised by a local entertainment company, Sunset Sound Production.
WATCH: Why Zambia would deport Zodwa Wabantu
However, Wabantu, whose real name is Rebecca Libram, who returned to South Africa yesterday, denied she was deported, insisting that she returned home on her own accord.
”I am back in eMzansi (South Africa). If they think I was deported that is not true. Firstly, I did not go there to perform,” she said before hanging up.
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Wabantu’s strange denial contradicts Zambian reports which show that she was booked to perform in Zambia by the Sunset Sound Production but the National Arts Council of Zambia refused to allow her to gyrate in Lusaka.
Wabantu is no stranger to controversy, having been barred from performing in Zimbabwe last year.
Zambia is known as a conservative country whose constitution explicitly states that it is a Christian nation, in contrast with more liberal South Africa.
The organisers of the show confirmed that Zambia’s National Arts Council rejected their application.