Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
SONGBIRD Feli Nandi says she will remain humbled despite making history by filling the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) last Friday.
Born Felistas Chipendo, the diva took a gamble by staging her show at the giant venue, and the decision paid off handsomely. Now, she is looking forward to a new chapter in what is becoming an impressive career.
Speaking to journalists after the show, the ever-smiling songstress could not hide her elation.
“It was an amazing experience. I feel humbled,” she said.
“I will keep working hard and encouraging other female musicians to fully utilise their potential.”
With the successful show, Feli Nandi also silenced the doubting Thomases who had questioned whether she had what it took to fill the massive venue.
It was a remarkable sight seeing the songbird take such a giant stride after gambling on one of the country’s biggest indoor venues.
When it came to the performances, the artists gave it their all.
Kurai Makore, who was reportedly barred from performing his uncle Thomas Mapfumo’s songs during live shows, responded well by belting out his own tracks.
It was a marvel seeing fans dancing to songs such as “Pasi”, “Manhanga Matete” and “Tombie”. As for Baba Harare, he arrived at the venue earlier but was left frustrated after failing to perform at the scheduled time.
He cut a forlorn figure as he walked away when it became clear that he could not perform to an empty auditorium.
“He was here all along, but the person in charge of the programme messed up,” said a member of Baba Harare’s band.
VIP Mayhem
Another talking point was the VIP section, which hardly felt like one.
Some fans reportedly bulldozed their way into the enclosure, making it difficult to maintain the exclusivity expected of a VIP area. The only people who appeared to enjoy the full VIP experience without much hassle were those in the VVIP section.
Fans who paid for VIP tickets could understandably feel shortchanged after people with ordinary tickets gained access to the area.
This is another issue event organisers need to address at future shows.
“There is no VIP like this,” an irate VIP ticket holder was heard saying.
“I won’t repeat this mistake again. Anyway, Feli has made a killing, and it’s good for her.”
Mathew Masinge