Zimbabwean gospel artists recently pulled out of the much-anticipated Kingdom Tour amid social media outrage following Kirk Franklin's controversial BET performance with Will Smith.
The show, which some have called "ungodly" and "satanic," is still set to be held on August 12 at the Glamis Arena.
Gospel artists, who were scheduled to perform on the date include Takesure Zamar Ncube, Annatoria, Thembalami, Joyful Praise Choir and The Unveiled. All of them have revealed they will not be performing due to various reasons.
Annatoria announced on her social media page: "Hey Family, I'm so sorry to announce your home girl won't be on the Kingdom Tour as planned. I was looking forward to meeting so many of you, and I hope I will one day. But I'm so sorry, y'all, and I love you all! God bless. Haaaa, at this point, we can say if I'm not going to Nigeria, I'm not going anywhere."
Tembalami stated: "Afternoon fam: We would like to officially announce that Tembalami and The Unveiled will no longer be performing at the Maverick City x Kirk Franklin Kingdom World Tour. We were so looking forward to worshipping with you. Gore rino is our year. Blessings."
On a social media page discussing the BET performance from two weeks ago, Nitascia commented: "Does this song glorify God through Jesus? I'm starting to notice a trend in gospel music where God is acknowledged, however, Jesus is not, and there are no scripture references. How do we then distinguish which god you speak of?"
Danielle added: "This is witchcraft, plain and simple. But since they are singing about Jesus, it's okay? Pretty sure Will Smith shouldn't be leading us into the presence of God. But I will get crucified by this comment."
Calvin Madz offered a different perspective: "Zimbabweans don't have a case. Is it because of their BET performance that is being criticized by Christians who have no problem with watching TV shows that are not Christ-like, voting for someone who is pushing gay rights, working for non-believers, using platforms controlled by non-believers, consuming food and products made by non-believers, or sending their kids to non-Christian schools? Jokes on you."
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Kikky Badass questioned the lyrics: “Tell me why this man Kirk Franklin said in that BET cypher 'the lion and the lamb will bow down to the goat'? Opposing the scriptures is crazy."
Maverick City and Kirk Franklin have not yet issued a statement regarding the controversy or whether they will still perform on the Kingdom Tour.
