Zimbabwe 'bars band over video'

A SOUTH African pop group known for its World Cup collaboration with Shakira has been barred from performing in Zimbabwe after releasing a video depicting Robert Mugabe as a chicken, band members said.

Freshlyground singer Zolani Mahola said the band was told last week by Zimbabwean authorities that work permits for concerts planned next month had been revoked.

She said that no reason was given, but believes the spark was the Chicken to Change video the band released earlier this month. Zimbabwean immigration officials have refused to comment.

Freshlyground collaborated with international star Shakira on Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) the official anthem for South Africa's World Cup.

The video for Chicken to Change, a song on the band's latest album, depicts Zimbabwe's president isolated in his limousine, uncaring of his people's suffering. The video's Mugabe puppet transforms into a fearful chicken as Zolani sings for change in Zimbabwe.

Ridiculing the president is illegal in Zimbabwe. Even gesturing at his motorcade in a manner deemed disrespectful can result in arrest.