Online Reporter
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Musician Asaph has penned an open letter to Bulawayo Shutdown organisers and event MCs ahead of the December 27 show in Bulawayo, calling for greater intention in how local artistes are programmed and introduced on stage.
In a post shared on his Facebook page, Asaph urged organisers to give homegrown performers proper time slots and respectful introductions that allow them to connect with the audience.
“I hope Shutdown organisers will be intentional about local artistes performance slots and how MCs introduce them on stage.
“The headline acts usually come on very late. The crowd’s patience for local music they might be unfamiliar with could already be gone,” he wrote.
He further cautioned MCs against building excitement around headliners before local acts perform, describing it as a momentum killer.
“People will be waiting to see the big names and MCs try to keep the energy by announcing the big acts that are still to come.
“Asking ‘Are you ready for Winky D?’ and then saying ‘but first we have…’ is a momentum killer for any artiste. Give local acts proper slots and introductions that set them up to win,” Asaph added.
The Bulawayo Shutdown lineup boasts a strong local presence, including Noluntu J, Bhila, Fab G, Insimbi ZeZhwane, Ma9nine and Great Stars Ijongosi. They will share the stage with South African stars K.O and Young Stunna, as well as local heavyweights Winky D, Silent Killer, Ngwere Diki, Chillmaster, Hulengende and Jnr Spragga.
The event that has an Ubuntu theme will be hosted by homegrown MCs Metty Intomb’emfitshane and Mzoe7, alongside Star FM presenters KVG and Merciless.
derick.khumalo