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Gibson Mhaka
AS music speaks a universal language, musical shows become powerful gatherings where people come together to celebrate their shared love of music.
When it comes to spectacle, many show-goers crave the electrifying energy of a massive crowd. For them, it’s all about going big or going home!
The Bulawayo Shutdown held on Saturday at Queens Sports Club on the closing day of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) was not just a musical show; it was a communal experience, a testament to the unifying power of music in bringing people together.
The Bulawayo Shutdown will be remembered as more than just a musical triumph; it fostered a powerful sense of unity and joy that will leave a lasting impression. The show’s record-breaking turnout serves as a testament to its unforgettable and impactful performances, setting it apart from other Bulawayo music events in both scale and cultural significance.
The musical event was the transformative power of music and its ability to transcend boundaries, bringing together people from all walks of life in a shared experience of ecstasy and celebration.
The Bulawayo Shutdown sent shockwaves through the music industry, especially for those who associate Bulawayo with its rich cultural heritage. After all, music and dance have always been key components of traditional ceremonies like the Inxwala Festival, solidifying the city’s status as a cultural capital.
The show no doubt elevated the city’s musical reputation and solidified its position as a hub for arts and culture. Though the event organisers Harris Lodges and Harris Entertainment were not comfortable revealing the exact number of people who attended the show, sources close to the development told B-Metro that more than 8 000 people were in attendance. The cheapest ticket was sold for US$10, with the most expensive ticket going for US$50.
When contacted for comment, one of the event organisers Jordan Dube only confirmed that the Saturday event was the biggest turnout they have seen since the Bulawayo Shutdown began a few years back.
“I am not able to reveal the exact number of people who attended the show but all I can say is that the Saturday event was the most successful event to be held by Harris Lodges and Harris Entertainment in terms of numbers,” he said.
With a record-breaking turnout, the Bulawayo Shutdown solidified its place as one of the most attended musical shows in the city’s history. South African superstars Kwesta, Murumba Pitch and Emtee, alongside local favourites Winky D, Enzo Ishall, Mzoe 7, and Killer T, left the record-shattering crowd in awe with their electrifying performances.
Dancehall chanter Winky D closed the show with a bang. He gave Bulawayo a night they won’t forget, making their ticket money well worth it. Living up to his self-proclaimed titles — the “Gafa,” the Extra-Terrestrial,” and the “Godfather of Zimdancehall” — Winky D delivered a performance that solidified his legendary status on this eventful night.
The moment he hit the stage, the air thrummed with anticipation. Young and old people swayed with uninhibited joy, each song igniting a wave of nostalgia and electrifying excitement. Local show organiser Terminator Makoni expressed his awe at the record-shattering moment. Makoni pointed out that this historic crowd demonstrates the dedicated fan base Winky D has cultivated over the years.
Vice-president of the Queens Sports Club Board of Management Shepherd Sindiso Mazibisa also posted on Facebook, hailing the record-breaking crowd and saying it debunked the myth that Bulawayo cannot host some of the biggest music shows in Zimbabwe.
“As vice-president of the Queens Sports Club Board of Management, we also extend our Heartfelt Gratitude to Harris Lodges and Harris Entertainment, Zimbabwe Cricket, the Sponsors, the artistes and the Bulawayo and generality of the Zimbabwean public. We learnt a lot of lessons administratively and the next show will be bigger and better. I urge inclusion of more Bulawayo artistes but one myth was debunked — Bulawayo can host some of the biggest music shows in Zimbabwe, (it’s a matter of modelling and strategy l posit). Just like Bosso (Highlanders Football Club) we can easily fill up BF (Barbourfields Stadium) every other day when we are playing and also model a plan for other local teams,” his post reads in part.
Online Reporter