Exiled Zimbabwe Cricketer Olonga Finds Fulfillment in Music

Henry Olonga, the former Zimbabwean cricketer renowned for his rivalry with Sachin Tendulkar, was exiled to Australia after a black armband protest with Andy Flower at the 2003 Cricket World Cup against Robert Mugabe's regime. The protest led to death threats, forcing Olonga to leave Zimbabwe, and he has not returned home or seen his family in over 20 years. After his cricket career, Olonga pursued music, performing at venues such as cruise ships, retirement villages, and small bars, and appeared on The Voice in 2019. He has worked odd jobs, including boat cleaning, to support himself while continuing his music career. Olonga's song 'Our Zimbabwe,' released during political turmoil, continues to express his longing for his homeland. He occasionally provides cricket commentary and uses his platform to inspire hope and unity for Zimbabweans despite the hardships of exile.