Zimbabwe apologises to celebrity after underwear row

The head of Zimbabwe's Tourism Board has apologised to South African celebrity Zodwa Wabantu, who is set to headline the Harare International Carnival after he said that she would only be invited if she wore underwear, Times Live reports. 

Zodwa has gained some notoriety in the region for her preference for not wearing underwear.

Karikoga Kaseke had said that Zodwa, who is a dancer, would offend traditional leaders if she performed without her "panties".

Times Live reports that Mr Kaseke told Zimbabwe state TV that the celebrity was free to bring her act to the Harare Festival, especially since she was "well received in Bulawayo" - a city largely viewed as conservative compared to the capital, Harare.

Zodwa told Times Live that she would would not compromise her brand and would not be told how to live her life.

Zim Tourism apologises to Zodwa Wabantu for 'underwear' rule https://t.co/xIPGZl6YY9 pic.twitter.com/myP19tHP3G

— Times LIVE (@TimesLIVE) August 29, 2017