DJ Shimza on celebrities and politics: 'People say we're getting tenders'
DJ Shimza's tweet on students, politics and activism opened a can of worms after he explained why South African celebrities often choose to remain mum on political issues.
Shimza, who is no stranger to sharing his views on politics with Twitter followers, took to the platform again on Wednesday to praise students for creating the future SA they want.
Encouraging his followers to vote in the upcoming elections, Shimza said: "Don't just tweet and be angry, go out and exercise your right."
Student politics are so interesting, so dope seeing young people so invested in the future of their country, whatever we decide to vote for individually it’s ur voice that will shape the country you want to live in. Don’t just tweet and be angry, go out and exercise your right🇿🇦
— SHIMZA (@Shimza01) March 27, 2019
One follower expressed her concern about the silence of celebrities when it comes to politics, saying that unlike Nigerian musician Davido and American artists, including Kanye West and Akon, SA celebs are neither vocal nor open.
Shimza responded by saying it was tricky for celebs because they get accused of gaining from the political parties with which they choose to associate themselves with.
You get slammed in SA abs that’s why many stay away, people say we getting tenders lol
— SHIMZA (@Shimza01) March 27, 2019
In February, Shimza also got into a political debate after he revealed he's looking forward to voting for the ANC.
When the muso was slammed for this and accused of benefiting from the party, he did not take the accusations lying down. He defended himself, saying he didn't understand why celebrities are "not allowed" to comment on the politics of the country in which they live in.
Konje the time is near where we are “celebrities” and not South Africans and can’t comment about the politics of the country we live in 🤣 the way we are going to be sworn at 😂😂😂
— SHIMZA (@Shimza01) February 26, 2019
ANC gives cars now? Another reason why I should vote for them I guess 🕺🏾🕺🏾🕺🏾
— SHIMZA (@Shimza01) February 27, 2019