AWARD-WINNING band Freshlyground was kicked out of Zimbabwe when they arrived there on Sunday.
The group was billed to perform at the Harare International Festival of the Arts but was denied entry to the country and deported to Mzansi.
This comes after the band angered Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe with the music video of the song Chicken to Change, which featured a puppet of him.
The song made fun of the 90-year-old president and called on him to retire after being in power for 34 years.
According to a statement released by the band’s manager, Kerry Friedmann, all procedures and permit requirements were followed to ensure the group was able to perform at the event.
She said members were given no reason for being denied entry.
Friedmann added: “We are very disappointed to announce that Freshlyground was turned away at Harare International Airport just hours before the band was due to perform for 4000 fans at the festival’s closing ceremony.
“The government officials involved refused to give a reason, saying no reason was required. It would seem that the authorities in Zimbabwe have yet to find a sense of humour.
“The band is hugely disappointed at the missed opportunity to return to one of its favourite performance venues. The musicians are left saddened that they’re unable to connect with their fans in Harare.”
The band said the incident would not stop it from celebrating its love of music and freedom of expression with the people of Zimbabwe.
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