(Image Source: Twitter)
[Saba Sports News] In 2003, Zimbabwean cricketers Henry Olonga and Andy Flower made a bold protest during the ODI Cricket World Cup, wearing black armbands to mourn “the death of democracy” in Zimbabwe under President Robert Mugabe’s rule.
Fast forward to 2023, Olonga, Zimbabwe’s first black cricketer, reflects on two decades of controversy, sharing the emotional toll his decision took. For many years, he felt like the most despised man in Zimbabwe.
Their protest led to their retirement from international cricket and received a mixed response, with Olonga facing severe criticism and accusations that he had been coerced into the protest. Olonga firmly asserted his independence, stating, “I was my own person.”
Following his expulsion from cricket, Olonga pursued his passion for music, participating in “The Voice” in 2019, coached by Kelly Rowland. Music became a medium for him to heal and express his views on Zimbabwe’s political turmoil.
Despite facing criticism and personal setbacks, including the end of his cricket career and a broken engagement, Olonga remains committed to raising his voice against ongoing issues in Zimbabwe, hoping that one day, people will recognize the significance of his protest.
At 47, Olonga has found his true calling as a musician, using his voice to sing about Zimbabwe’s struggles, even though the cricket world may have forgotten him. His music and message continue to inspire those who believe in standing up for what is right.