“Americans are so disrespectful”: South Africans Outraged Over ‘Zulu’ Parade at New Orleans Mardi Gras
South Africans are breathing fire over a controversial “Zulu” parade held during the recent Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, United States.
What was intended as a vibrant display of tradition has instead triggered a storm of criticism for its perceived mockery and caricature of Black people—particularly those of Zulu heritage.
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Parade Participants Accused of Blackface and Stereotyping
The now-viral images and video clips circulating on social media show participants in the so-called “Zulu parade” dressed in exaggerated costumes that many say resemble minstrel-era blackface portrayals.
South Africans Outraged Over ‘Zulu’ Parade at New Orleans Mardi Gras (Image Credit: X)The paradegoers wore afro wigs, grass skirts, and body paint while mimicking traditional dance movements, including exaggerated hip gyrations.
South Africans were quick to condemn the performance, calling it a deeply offensive portrayal that reduces a rich culture to a costume.
“Zulu Parade” Rooted in Controversial History
The “Zulu parade” is reportedly inspired by a group of early 20th-century African American labourers known as the “Tramps,” who began parodying elite white Mardi Gras societies by forming their own parade unit. Despite its origins, many viewers argue the current version is detached from context and instead perpetuates outdated racial stereotypes.
Social Media Reaction: “This Is Not a Tribute—It’s a Mockery”
On platforms like X and TikTok, South Africans expressed disappointment and anger, questioning how such portrayals continue to be accepted in 2025.
Many called on the organisers to rethink the inclusion of such portrayals in future festivities, urging cultural sensitivity and accuracy.
Check out some of the reactions;
@ZuluUchained;
Why are we being disrespected by Americans like this???
@MightiJamie;
They need to rename their society and boat. This is a major insult. This isn’t even cultural appropriation. This is cultural defamation and misappropriation.
@tiredfeminist;
These are Zulu people??? Americans are so disrespectful OMG😭😭 black face on top of that??
@Lungile_nje;
So they decided to name this after a South African tribe and it has nothing to do with amaZulu and none of them are actual Zulus😒.. that’s very disrespectful of them🚮
@returnofBWA;
You call something a Zulu parade with painted black faces and inaccurate costumes of course actual Zulu’s are gonna look at it and be ‘wtf is this’ it’s a real tribe of 12 million people with internet access 😭😭 Please stop acting like these reactions are absurd. This is mad disrespectful 🤦🏾♀️