Henry Olonga – Former International Cricketer and Opera Singer

Henry Olonga is a Zimbabwean former cricketer, who p[ayed Test and One Day International Cricket for Zimbabwe.  When he made his  Test debut in January 1995, he was the first and youngest black cricketer to play for Zimbabwe. . Henry was a. regular member of the Zimbabwe team from 1996 to 2003, playing in 36 Test matches and 50 One Day Internationals.  However his cricket career was terminated when he and teammate Andy Flower wore black armbands in a World Cup match, protesting against the ‘death of democracy’ and suppression of civil rights under President Robert Mugabe’s government. Henry was charged with treason, received death threats and was forced into exile in England.  In retirement Henry has pursued  an interest in music. He has composed a number of songs and competed in vocal and charity competitions. Henry made his singing debut at the Sydney Cricket Ground, singing Nessun Dorma.