Club bails out artistes

Entertainment Editor
The music sector in Zimbabwe has been growing steadily in the last few years, a development that has resulted in the formation of a number of musical groups.
Full of talent, ambition and hope of landing a lucrative recording contract, most of the artistes find themselves unable to hold shows or let alone practise because they do not have instruments.
And naturally, at that stage, buying a kit would be virtually impossible.
If anything, they would need to rely on well-wishers to provide them with either a venue or a kit so that they can turn their dreams into reality.
One venue that has been open to all artistes is the City Sports Bar, situated in the Queens Hotel complex along Kaguvi and Robert Mugabe roads.
The joint, that opened its doors to the public a year ago, has played host to several little-known groups — for free — in a bid to promote the artistes, hoping that one day they will make it big.
City Sports Bar recently bought a kit that upcoming artistes can use as when need arises.
Artistes that have benefited from this initiative and have been regulars at the joint include Tendai and Morgan Dembo, Papa Tongo and Super Generation, Ovias Mutani and Sungano Brothers, Fortunate Mudzviti and Fox Fire Band, among others.
City Sports Bar owner Biggie Chinoperekwei, better known in entertainment circles as Boss Biggie, said he decided to chip in towards the development of the music sector in the country, by opening his doors to upcoming artistes.
“There are quite a number of artistes who are talented but they don’t have a musical kit and a venue, where they can stage a show.
“I saw it fit to open a live show slot for the artistes as a way of marketing themselves,” he said.
Chinoperekwei said while it was not easy to get a profit let alone break even in such situations, he remained committed to assist, whenever he can.
“There is no profit really, but I am just motivated to help them whenever I can.
Other joints that have been doing the same include Front Page Beerhall in Highfield, Sweet Pot Bar, formerly Earlside and Charehwa Matombo in Budiriro.