Jamaican men are drunks and weed smokers; Mugabe

One of Africa’s most notorious leaders, President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, has made a controversial statement about Jamaicans. While speaking at the country’s Research and Intellectual Expo 2012, Mugabe made the damning statements, labeling Jamaican men as “drunks and weed smokers, who are ruled by women’.

“In Jamaica, they have freedom to smoke mbanje, varume vanogara vakadhakwa (men are always drunk) and universities are full of women. The men want to sing and do not go to colleges vamwe vanobva vamonwa musoro (some are dreadlocked). Let us not go there”, Mugabe said.

President Mugabe is also insinuating that Jamaican culture is heavily influencing the people of Zimbabwe. Without doubts Zimbabweans have a strong liking for reggae/dancehall culture, but such an ignorant statement from a head of state will dissuade Jamaican entertainers from performing in the African country.

Several reggae artists have since take time out to weigh in on Mugabe’s controversial statement, including Sizzla Kalonji, who performed at a concert in 2010 in honor of his birthday, Tony Rebel, Cocoa Tea and more.

In response, Sizzla said “Black people are beautiful and courageous, strong, educated and we should keep our heads up and keep sailing high and be determined towards our goals as Zimbabweans and Jamaicans. I personally took no offence to the statement. Marijuana is a holy sacrament being used in the nyahbinghi churcical chanting and singing is a part of our culture from ancient of days, it’s even in the bible where Psalms of David said we should sing and give praise unto the most high”.

“We love the president and he should assist us as black people to overcome the phangs of hell daunted unto us by the slave masters. He should also take the time and look into our educational system and living conditions, and see how best he can help us towards the redemption and repatriation of our people to Africa”.