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ORGANISERS of the Jayiva gala which featured some of Bulawayo’s top artistes were left convinced that the artistes were worth less than $5 after they were forced to reduce the entry fee to $3 before making entry free for all as only 40 people paid for the concert. The show, held at White City Stadium two weeks ago, featured seasoned artistes such as Jeys Marabini, Sandra Ndebele, Martin Sibanda from Ndolwane Super Sounds, Chase Skuza, Clement Magwaza, Ndux Malax Junior and a number of DJs.
One of the promoters of the show, Onias Sibanda from O2 Squad Promotions, revealed that only 40 people paid for the show and the number included those who paid $3.
“When we realised that it was quiet at the gala, we decided to charge $3 instead of $5.
“It was really disappointing because even after reviewing charges downwards, only a handful of people were prepared to part with such an amount. The number of performing artistes and the crowd did not tally.”
Sibanda challenged Bulawayo artistes to work hard and improve the quality of their music in order to build a following.
“Artistes should pull up their socks and strive to have a following. They should also improve the quality of their music so that fans will be prepared to part with their hard earned cash,” said Sibanda.
He, however, said they did not put all the blame on artistes as they believed that as organisers they should also improve on their marketing strategies.
The show was barely publicised.
The promoter therefore ran a loss as all the money which was raised at the show was used to pay police officers. The organisers failed to pay the artistes as a result.
The gala was aimed at building local audiences and marketing up and coming artistes.
Online Reporter