Zimbabwean comedian Q Dube has found himself in hot water after making controversial comments about his fellow countrymen during a South African podcast. Q Dube’s remarks, centred around his fear of smelling like a Zimbabwean, have ignited a storm of reactions on social media.
When questioned about his biggest fear, Q Dube candidly expressed,
“My fear is smelling like a Zimbabwean, so I always bathe.”
The comedian went on to elaborate, saying,
“No, you know, some of our Zimbabwean brothers. Like when I am walking and I smell a ‘kwapha,’ I am like there is a Zimbabwean here!”
The things that some people do for likes and to impress foreigners. Comedian Q Dube disparagingly talks about his Zimbabwean countrymen with South Africans. pic.twitter.com/58Q5fUU42u
Q Dube further added fuel to the fire by questioning the hygiene habits of Zimbabweans.
He remarked,
“That’s the thing that I don’t understand… what is it about the region of Zimbabwe that says we are going to attack your armpits. Like that’s the thing for me that I have never understood.”
The comedian’s remarks have not been well-received by his fellow countrymen, who accused him of perpetuating base stereotypes to appeal to South African prejudices.
Some even labelled him as engaging in self-hate. Social media flooded with reactions, both condemning and supporting Q Dube.
Tapiwanashe @BigHomieTaps commented, “Ko wasn’t he a struggling artist in Zim not so long ago? Whatever experiences either falsely exaggerated or true, there really is no need to be seeking relevance insulting your own people iwe waku diaspora 🚮.”
Tinashe Tinashe Tinashe @tnashr expressed disappointment, “I loved Q Dube’s comedy, but this one is extreme. Crosses a critical line. All respect lost.”
Mellow Creme @mellowcremelove shared their frustration, “This is sad. Pissed me off for days. Can’t even say how I really feel right now as a fellow creative.”
Titanium Tina @tinatakawira disagreed with Q Dube’s generalization, stating, “I must be living in a different Zim because in my circles, no one actually smells.”
Munyaradzi Munyaradzi @Munyara08519176 questioned the hatred towards Zimbabweans, “Guys…ngatiitei serious…this speech iyi mmmmm….SAs hate us with a passion…but why?”
Pastor Trèí @trei_bie criticized the stigmatization, “I can’t believe grown-up folks would sit down and propell stigmatisation of this level🤷🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️ Stereotyping an entire nation!!!! This is screwed up on many levels.”
As the controversy continues to unfold, it is evident that Q Dube’s comments have deeply divided opinions among Zimbabweans.
Whether seen as a comedian expressing his truth or accused of spreading harmful stereotypes, the incident has triggered a broader conversation about cultural sensitivity and self-perception within the Zimbabwean community.
Source iHarare
