His jaw was broken last year by an attacker who claimed to work for the state. More recently a government MP walked out of a performance Langeveldt was giving at a beauty pageant. The next day four armed men stormed the office of the organiser and threatened to close the annual event down. Inspiring opposition to the government Since then censorship forms have been distributed. Now, before a show a performer and his script have to be cleared.
Many artists say they're close to going abroad but find it hard to leave their home country.
Singer Chiwoniso Maraire says she does not feel in any physical danger at present. But if it ever came to that she would rather be in danger in her home country than in a foreign land. A song by Chiwoniso was banned on state-controlled radio last year. In this atmosphere of uncertainty, artists can only guess at the limits of the government's tolerance. That is why some feel it's easier to leave home, at least for a while.