Q Dube apologizes for saying Zimbabweans smell horrible on a SA podcast
Q Dube, a Zimbabwean comedian, has himself in deep water after making inflammatory remarks about his fellow countrymen on a South African podcast. Q Dube’s words, which focused on his dread of smelling like a Zimbabwean, sparked a social media firestorm.
When asked about his greatest fear, Q Dube stated openly,
“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
— iHarare.com (@iharare) November 10, 2023
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.
Social Media Reactions
Tapiwanashe @BigHomieTaps commented, “Ko wasn’t he a struggling artist in Zim not so long ago? Whatever experiences are 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.”
Q Dube Issues Apology for Controversial Podcast Comments
Recognizing the impact of his words, Q Dube has issued a formal apology to address the offence caused by his remarks. In the apology, he expressed regret for allowing himself to be carried away during the podcast and acknowledged the need for greater sensitivity in discussions about national identity.
