From Sachin Tendulkar’s rivalry to Boat Cleaner: Henry Olonga’s Unforeseen Journey

Henry Olonga, the former Zimbabwean fast bowler once known for his on-field rivalry with cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar, has experienced a dramatic shift in his life, transitioning from international cricket to working odd jobs, including cleaning boats, and pursuing a career in music.
Olonga’s cricketing career, which saw him as Zimbabwe’s first black Test cricketer, took an irreversible turn during the 2003 Cricket World Cup. He and teammate Andy Flower wore black armbands in protest against what they called the “death of democracy” in Zimbabwe under Robert Mugabe’s regime. This courageous act led to death threats, forcing Olonga to flee his homeland and live in exile.
After leaving Zimbabwe, Olonga settled in Australia. He has since embarked on a multifaceted life, embracing music as a primary passion. He even appeared on “The Voice Australia” in 2019, showcasing his vocal talents. While his music career may not have reached mainstream stardom, he continues to perform, singing on cruise ships, in retirement villages, schools, and small bars, and releasing music on his YouTube channel.
To make ends meet, Olonga has taken on various jobs, including cleaning boats, giving motivational talks, and working as a painter. He has stated that while his current life might seem “drab” or “boring” to some, he finds joy in his performances and maintaining an honest, trouble-free life. Despite the overthrow of Mugabe in 2017, Olonga has remained in Australia, adapting to his new life.
His journey is a testament to resilience, as he has navigated political exile and reinvented himself, pursuing his passion for music while taking on various humble jobs to sustain himself.