Henry Olonga’s story is one of courage, loss, and rediscovery. Once celebrated as Zimbabwe’s first Black Test cricketer, he later became known for something far greater — standing up for his country when it needed it most. Today, Olonga has traded cricket fields for cruise ships and small stages, using music to tell his story.
From Cricket Star to Political Protester
At just 18 years old, Henry Olonga made history as Zimbabwe’s first Black Test cricketer. His talent as a fast bowler was undeniable, and he quickly became a symbol of hope for many young Zimbabweans. But his time in cricket would be marked by more than just sports.
In 2003, during the Cricket World Cup, Olonga and teammate Andy Flower wore black armbands. It was a silent protest against what they called the “death of democracy” in Zimbabwe under Robert Mugabe’s government. The act drew global attention but came with heavy consequences.
Forced Into Exile After Speaking Out
After the protest, Olonga’s life changed overnight. He was thrown off the team bus, received death threats, and was forced to flee his country. “I’ve been accused of being scared, a chicken,” Olonga shared in a past interview. “The high commissioner pulled me aside and asked, ‘Why are you denigrating the government of Zimbabwe?’”
Fearing for his safety, Olonga left everything behind. Cricket, his family, and his home were suddenly out of reach. The man who once stood proud in Zimbabwe’s colors became a political exile.
Finding Comfort and Purpose Through Music
Even during his cricketing days, Olonga had a deep love for music. In fact, two years before the famous protest, he wrote and released a song called Our Zimbabwe. The lyrics spoke of unity and love for the nation, but hearing them now stirs difficult memories.
“Some of the words in that song… they speak of where my life is now,” Olonga said. “It’s somewhat triggering when I listen to it.” Music became a healing tool for him in the years that followed.
Life as a Musician on Cruise Ships and Small Venues
After retiring from cricket in 2008, Olonga took on different jobs, including appearing on a reality singing show that later shut down due to COVID-19. Eventually, he found a new path as a singer, performing on cruise ships, in retirement homes, schools, and small bars.
“It’s not necessarily the peak of music performance being on a cruise ship,” he admitted. “Some people think that singers go to die on cruise ships. It’s like where you go when you haven’t made it anywhere else.” But for Olonga, these small stages gave him a platform to continue sharing his voice.
Using His Story to Inspire Others
Despite everything he endured, Olonga remains hopeful for his country and its people. He insists his protest and music were never about anger but about building a better Zimbabwe. “Our Zimbabwe was a call for Zimbabweans to work together,” he explained.
“I try to be a peacemaker, but a lot of people think I’m the opposite. I don’t know why. If you look at my lyrics, if you look at things I’ve done, I’m trying to inspire people for better outcomes,” Olonga said.
This week, Olonga returned to the world of cricket in a different role — as a summariser for Test Match Special during Zimbabwe’s first Test match in England in 22 years. A full circle moment for a man who sacrificed everything for his beliefs.
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