The Swaziland Solidarity Network (SSN) recently made a call for artists across the African continent to join in solidarity with the cultural boycott against a Swaziland festival.
One of the main performers Jabulani Hadebe, known as Sjava, has heeded the call and rejected his invitation to perform at the Luju Festival in Malkerns this weekend.
SSN believes the cultural boycott is an effective way to address political opinions in the Kingdom of eSwatini, formerly known as Swaziland.
Sjava's management team confirmed that the South African singer, rapper, and actor will not be performing at the festival.
The spokesperson for the SSN, Lucky Lukhele, said the network welcomed the solidarity gesture made by Sjava and expressed their gratitude to him for standing with the oppressed people of Swaziland.
"What Sjava has done is his obligation … Solidarity binds us as human beings and assists us in achieving a common purpose.
"The Network wishes to also acknowledge the tireless efforts made by the People's Poet, Mzwakhe Mbuli, to encourage artists to boycott the kingdom's cultural activities and we further wish to encourage other artists to join the boycott," said Lukhele.
He added that SA Afropop group Mafikizolo is still expected to perform at the Luju Festival.
He says the network is engaging with the group to join the cultural boycott against the festival.