Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari, Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
Disappointment and frustration are brewing among Bulawayo fans of the popular Doek and Slay event, as yet another promised date has come and gone without the anticipated festivities.
Originally slated for April 27 at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) grounds, the Bulawayo edition was postponed due to ZITF activities. Organisers then hinted at a follow-up event the following weekend, a promise that, much to fans’ dismay, was not fulfilled.
Fans have taken to social media to air their grievances.
“Dear Doek and Slay, as ladies from Bulawayo, we are sorry. We apologise for whatever we did. You guys are now talking about the second edition (for 2025), how about us?” quizzed one disgruntled follower.
“Please don’t shut out people from Bulawayo,” pleaded another.
In a response to Zimpapers Entertainment Hub, event organisers acknowledged the disappointment and explained that their backup date of May 4 was not viable due to the UK-hosted Zimlink Up show, which featured most of the artistes initially lined up for Bulawayo.
“Initially, we had to make way for the ZITF and cancel the show in Bulawayo. We had moved the show to May 4 but most of the artistes who had been scheduled to perform were in the UK,” organisers said.
“We are still yet to decide on a new date for the Bulawayo show,” they added, noting that even if it happens in August, “it’s still going to be vintage-themed.”
This marks the second major let down for Bulawayo. The city was last treated to a Doek and Slay experience in August last year. The December 2023 edition was also scrapped, with organisers opting for a mega show in Harare, excluding all other provinces.
Meanwhile, Doek and Slay continues to flourish elsewhere, having successfully hosted editions in Harare, Mutare, Gweru, and Kadoma during the first quarter. Their popularity is evident, with record-breaking crowds and plans now underway for the brand’s first UK edition.
Despite the success elsewhere, the repeated side-lining of Bulawayo has left many women from the province feeling excluded.
As Doek and Slay grows internationally, fans in Bulawayo are still holding on to hope, but their patience is wearing thin.
