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Kumbirayi Shoniwa Entertainment Reporter
The much-hyped Zimdancehall Crossover show on New Year’s Eve at Gwanzura Stadium came to an abrupt halt soon after midnight after a power cut ended the joy of hundreds of fans who had braved the rains to attend the bash.
The show, which started after midday, was running smoothly with various artistes taking to the stage including Sniper Storm, Kinna, Guspy Warrior and other upcoming chanters rocking the sizable crowd in the stadium.
The turntables and microphones were handled by the able crew of DJs and emcees including Merciless, Smiley and Gary B, with Godfatha Templeman ushering the crowd into 2014 soon after the countdown into the New Year.
It was soon after midnight as King Shaddy took to the stage that the rains turned into a heavy downpour and the crowd sought shelter in a huge tent erected before the stage.
However, the joy was short-lived when a power outage occurred a few minutes later and the stadium turned into a dark cavern with the rains continuing to pour down on hapless fans. Event organiser Patson Chimbodza of Chipaz Promotions, denied claims that the power cut was deliberate in order to cover up for the many artistes who had not yet performed that could have been booked for other shows elsewhere.
“That is just speculation. The truth is, we had arrangements where the artistes came and performed at times which were convenient for their other commitments elsewhere.
“Even Sniper (Storm) was given a slot at around 5PM so that he could go on to please his other fans elsewhere,” he said.
Many fans were not amused, however, and queried why the show had no back-up generator in case of power outages which are common instances especially during the rainy season.
“I wonder why the organisers did not have an alternative back-up to the electricity supply at the stadium when they knew that they had a show of this magnitude,” said Chenge Mangwende of Marimba Park.
Chimbodza said they had been assured that there would be no power outage on the night, hence they did not bring a generator to the show.
Another irate fan, Maria Sande from Highlands, told The Herald Entertainment that she was disappointed because she had made plans to spend the night at the show and not be left stranded without transport in the middle of the night.
Online Reporter