Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
CAN men hold something like Doek & Slay?
A party strictly for themselves and will it be as successful as the women’s show?
The massive success of the Doek and Slay shows was highlighted by a record-breaking party in Harare on Sunday.
Despite the rain coming down on Sunday afternoon, thousands of women filled the Glamis Arena for what was the Mother Of All Parties.
Traditionally the event has been held at Alex Sports Club but on Sunday it was held at Glamis Arena, which is a bigger venue.
The last Doek and Slay party at Alex attracted more than 25,000 women.
Estimates say the mega party on Sunday beat those figures by a country mile.
But can men also do the same?
While some are doubtful, others believe that men can also hold their own parties and they can be successful.
Some pointed out that men already attend events like football matches, where they dominate the numbers, and this shows that they can also have their own men-only party and it can be successful.
“Yes, a men-only event will be nice but I believe that as men we won’t create the same impact as Doek & Slay has at the moment,” said Nobert Chitsa.
“In my view, it will attract a good number of men since this is more like just an outing. It is a norm that men go out for example when they go to watch football or enjoy their drinks at a local pub.
“The only difference is that it will be specifically for men, maybe at an open space.
“However, some will not buy into the idea since men don’t want to be associated with name tags of some sort.”
Victor Mugova said: “I am convinced that men will come in their numbers as they also want to be hanging out and drinking.
“It’s all about the mindset. As long as it’s an outing with beers and good music, it will be a success.
“I can relate it to men’s conferences – men attend those events because they offer a chance to network, relax, and have fun.”
Another man, who spoke to H-Metro, said:
“It is likely that the event will only attract a small percentage compared to Doek & Slay as we already hang out together all the time and nothing will be so special about it.
“I believe that if an event for men is to be done, it will not have a huge impact compared to Doek & Slay because men are not consistent.
“Some men may not want to be associated with a particular group or label. But if the event is just a show, a fun experience, it might stand a chance for short period.
“Men’s events are often more about the activity or entertainment, rather than the community aspect.
“While some will attend such events, they may not be as invested in the idea of a men-only space.”
Bongani Ndlovu