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Former cricketer from Zimbabwe, Henry Olonga, sings and tells tales in Epsom
A former Zimbabwean test cricketer who protested against his country’s oppressive leader is coming to Epsom to sing and tell stories about his life.
A former Zimbabwean test cricketer who protested against his country’s oppressive leader is coming to Epsom to sing and tell stories about his life.
Henry Olonga, 33, had to flee his country in 2003 after wearing a black armband in a Cricket World Cup match to protest against the policies of Zimbabwe's government.
He was the first black Zimbabwean to become a test cricketer in 1995, and since 2003 he has been playing for a team called Lashings, which gave him refuge in the UK.
Mr Olonga is now a singer and preacher and tells stories about his life in church concerts around the country. He is set to come to Epsom Methodist Church on Sunday (May 30).
He said: "I’m a preacher and I sing and tell my life stories and try to show people how God was really instrumental in my life.
"When I was a kid, I thought Mugabe was a hero really because of what we were taught at school.
"It was only later I came to realise the Zimbabwe I pictured in my mind was not exactly the Zimbabwe I grew up in."
Mr Olonga lives in London with his Australian wife, Tara, but says he would like to one day go back to Zimbabwe.
He said: “Anyone who has lived in a country for 20-something years always has a strong connection to that country.
"I still have family there - my father is still there and I love the country and the people and if I could live there again I think I would."
Reverend David Winwood, the Minister of Epsom Methodist Church, who worked in Zimbabwe for a few years, said: “We are delighted that Henry is coming to our church to give a concert to raise funds for the Zimbabwe Victims’ Support Fund.
"This fund helps to sustain street kids and feed children at school and extended families in the rural areas."
The concert is open to all without charge, on Sunday, May 30, at 7pm at Epsom Methodist Church, Ashley Road.
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