I’m a forgotten person as far as the world of cricket goes: Henry Olonga

In 2003, the cricket world witnessed a remarkable act of protest that transcended borders, both on and off the field. Henry Olonga and Andy Flower, Zimbabwean cricketers, boldly stood against the political turmoil in their homeland by donning black armbands to mourn “the death of democracy” under the rule of then-President, Robert Mugabe, during the ODI Cricket World Cup, which was held in South Africa and Kenya,.

Fast forward to 2023, and Henry Olonga, Zimbabwe’s first black cricketer, reflects on two decades of controversy. He reveals the emotional toll that his decision took, saying that for the first 20 years, he felt like the most despised man in Zimbabwe.

“I’m a forgotten person as far as the world of cricket goes, “For the first 20 years – or 17, anyway, until Mugabe died – I felt like the most hated man in Zimbabwe,” Olonga told BBC Sport Africa.

Their protest, which ultimately led to Olonga and Flower retiring from international cricket, received a mixed response. Olonga faced severe criticism and even accusations that he had been coerced into the protest.

“People believed I lacked the intelligence to make my own choices: ‘Oh, Andy Flower pushed me into it all’… I was my own person,” the former Zimbabwe legend firmly asserted.

Henry Olonga turned Musician from Cricketer post-retirement from International cricket

Throughout the years, Henry Olonga‘s expulsion has taken him from England to Australia, where he embraced his first love—music. His appearance on the popular TV talent show “The Voice” in 2019, coached by Destiny’s Child star, Kelly Rowland, marked a significant turning point in his life. Through music, Olonga found comfort—a medium that allowed him to heal and express his perspectives on Zimbabwe’s political turbulence.

Despite enduring criticism and personal setbacks, such as the end of his cricket career and a broken engagement, Olonga remains steadfast in his convictions. He continues to raise his voice against the ongoing issues in Zimbabwe, hoping that one day people will acknowledge the significance of his protest.

Now 47 years old, Olonga embraces his second career as a musician, where he feels more at home and can utilize his voice to sing about Zimbabwe’s struggles. While the cricket world may have forgotten him, his music and message continue to inspire those who believe in the power of standing up for what is right.