Sizzla Defends Beaten Zimbabwe Fans

While performing at the 21st February Movement Gala in Zimbabwe this weekend, dancehall star Sizzla Kaljoni was welcomed onstage by the usual adoring cheers, and unfortunately, extreme crowd violence. Though he was protected from the audience by a large security barrier, several fans toppled it in an effort to get closer to the Jamaican legend.

As RadioJamaica reports, riot police at the event, which celebrated Robert Mugabe's 86th birthday, responded by brutally beating many of the rowdy fans. Ugly and escalating violence between both civilian and law enforcement officials ensued. So dramatic was the scene, in fact, that it brought Sizzla's performance to a halt. Only after Sizzla called for calm and asked the police to stop the beatings did the show, as it always must, go on.