Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
TALENTED yet controversial ZimDancehall artiste Blot has made headlines again after failing to appear at Club Mandisa, where he was scheduled to perform last Friday.
Scores of people, particularly die-hard Zim Dancehall fans, were left bitterly disappointed by the no-show.
Many had travelled from as far afield as Chimanimani, Chipinge and Nyanga in anticipation of a high-energy performance from the artiste behind hits like Greenade, Chiedza and Boyz Dzamdhara.
Their excitement quickly turned to frustration, which eventually boiled over into anger, with some venting their displeasure at venue owner Boniface Nyamanhindi blaming him for the no-show.
However, Weekender Entertainment has since learnt that Blot had proceeded to Harare earlier in the day for a scheduled radio interview.
According to sources, he had assured his team that he would return in time for the Mutare gig, but shortly after, switched off his mobile phone, leaving everyone in the dark including his own handlers.
The artiste had even granted an interview to local radio station Diamond FM just hours before he was expected to take the stage.
However, instead of returning to fulfil his promise to fans, Blot chose to ignore everyone, including Club Mandisa, his fans and the promoters.
One of his handlers, who had been in Mutare with him prior to the event and requested anonymity, confirmed that efforts to contact the elusive artiste had been futile.
“It is unfortunate that Blot chose to handle the situation in this manner. We were in Mutare together for a few days and Blot had agreed to a deal with the club management.
“Posters had been printed, advertising had been done and there was even a Diamond FM interview earlier that day.
“He then travelled to Harare for another radio interview and that was the last we heard from him.
“He did not respond to our phone calls,” said the colleague.
As is common in the Zim Dancehall scene, fans are accustomed to performers arriving fashionably late, but on this occasion, the wait turned into a weary, sleepless night.
Some fans began arriving as early as 8pm and by midnight, Club Mandisa was packed to capacity, with the crowd still hopeful that Blot would appear.
By 3am, signs of anger and disappointment were visible and unmistakable.
Local DJs Cante, Smokes and DJ Nasty worked overtime, spinning back-to-back dancehall hits in an attempt to soothe the restless crowd.
They did not disappoint, keeping the patrons entertained until the club closed around 7am.
However, it was clear that some of the patrons still felt the sting of being stood up.
Club proprietor Nyamanhindi, when contacted for comment, said: “It is unfortunate that he did not turn up, especially after the hype surrounding the show.
“The posters had been printed and we made frantic efforts to publicise the event, particularly across our social media platforms.
“We are heartbroken and disappointed beyond words. We did everything professionally.
“We are grateful that our patrons and other revellers did not resort to violence.
“Some had spent their last bit of money on tickets, while others had booked accommodation specifically to see Blot perform live.”
