adminBrenda Phiri Entertainment Reporter
The much-hyped Tione Chipo Chako Arts Organisation Talent Expo that was set to take place at Kimberly Hotel in Bindura on Saturday failed to take off under unclear circumstances.
Art followers who had braved the rains that pounded the Mashonaland Central capital in the afternoon were disappointed after realising that there was no activity at the venue.
The organisers were not at the venue and their phones were not reachable.
Speaking to The Herald, Rutendo Matesanwa, a manager at the hotel, professed ignorance on the developments saying she suspected the no show was due to lack of funding.
“I understand the talent show was supposed to be officially launched today (Saturday).
“The last time I spoke to the organiser, Leonard Chidziva, he had indicated that he was having problems with securing funds as they were supposed to pay a deposit for our facilities.
“He did communicate thereafter and only called today to cancel their booking with us.
“I have not been able to contact him for clarification,” she said.
Among the guests who were supposed to grace the event were Trevor Hall and Oliver Mtukudzi.
Mtukudzi was not reachable for comment while Hall said he had cancelled his trip to Bindura at the eleventh hour.
“I was not really a stakeholder in the organisation, but I was a mere consultant.
“Leonard is my brother and he had asked that I advise him on laying down the ground work for the talent show.
“I did my part of drawing up a constitution for the arts organisation.
“I was also among the performers and they only called me at the last minute saying they could not finance my trip.
“After realising that I could not afford to take my band there, I ended up not attending,” he said
Hall added that among the deliberations at the planning stage was the setting up of a fund that would look out for upcoming and retired artiste’s welfare.
These included medical and pension funds.
According to the organisation’s website, the organisation was founded after realising that artistes from this province were struggling to find their mark despite the talent in the area.
Online Reporter