Byo Music Carnival strikes right chord

Bongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
“We want more of the same entertainment” is what revellers said in unison as they watched over 20 local artistes perform during the inaugural Bulawayo Music Carnival at Hartsfield Tshisa Nyama on Saturday. Hundreds of people attended the show which pitted artistes such as Sandra Ndebele, Khuliyo, Guluva 7, Alaina, Mzoe 7, Babongile Sikhonjwa, Prime Suspects, Kwabatsha and Djembe Monks.

Although the show was not marketed fully, the attendance surprised the artistes who somehow did not expect Bulawayo music lovers to come out and support them, judging from previous shows.

Though most artistes did not disappoint, what was true was that most who attended the carnival did not know local musicians’ songs apart from the likes of Sandra Ndebele, Guluva 7, Alaina, Mzoe 7 and Kwabatsha whose songs have received considerable airplay. Event organisers said the festivities which were meant to begin at midday ended up starting at 8PM as there were a few people in the afternoon.

But, true to their word – organisers – 3D Events went all out with the stage as it was one befitting for an international show. The lighting and sound was on point. Guluva 7 had the people eating out of his palm as some in the crowd were chanting his name as he performed on stage, while comedian Sikhonjwa was his DJ. After Guluva 7, Sikhonjwa performed his danceable house track Amavampire much to the crowd’s excitement.

Mzoe 7 was also a ball of energy with his hit Kwasa Kwasa being an instant hit. Dance group Antivirus showed they haven’t lost their moves as they put up a top class act, periodically dabbing. Alaina was also on the top of her game.

Up-and-coming hip hop group Prime Suspects also proved their mettle on stage on a night that ended when DJ Liz and Djembe Monks took over the decks. Most revellers applauded show organisers and pleaded with them to host more similar events.

“I believe this is a noble idea and more of the same should be organised by the artistes and promoters. The music is good but I don’t know it so these artistes should work harder to get it to the people,” said Joe Dube from Emganwini. Another reveller, Charmaine Thomas of Barham Green, weighed in: “It was hard to sing along to some of the songs because I didn’t know them. There’re one or two tracks that we know but we didn’t know most of them.”