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FOR long we have been cultured to accept that quality entertainment found in city centres is real enjoyment. We were duped. If you still believe this, it’s not your fault. Artistes also have a selective approach when it comes to where they perform. But, would it not be a shrewd business move to perform where people spend most of their time this summer. I will not spend my money listening to guitars away from the comfort of my neighbourhood.
The big city syndrome is gone. The suburbia is awakening the sleepy city. Visit any high density area and you will give me shout of agreement. These places are in the residential areas. Either you are at a sports bar, a shebeen or small party. Those who enjoy tea and biscuits are not left out. They have their tea parties too. Clubs in the city centre better brace up for less patronage.
It’s a surprise for many who are accustomed to city entertainment, but it’s a fact. Residential areas are taking over the showbiz space. Sports bars in residential areas are popular than any city centre nightclub. There are many such places. You will find braziers and good live music there.
This is a great time for show promoters and performers. There must be plenty of concerts lined up because people tend to prefer being outdoors. I know of a number of artistes who have been in hibernation. They ought to be perfecting their works to be released this summer, I suppose.
Of late I also realised how urbanites are slowly turning into a boring lot. Just because the city’s entertainment industry is low, everybody has to whine and wish Bulawayo was elsewhere. On the positive though, there are “die hard” showbiz enthusiasts who will stop at nothing to liven up the city.
During summer we care more and complain if artistes give us crap performances. If artistes invite us to well-organised shows and they give good performances, we would gladly appreciate them.
The current state of affairs has created a whole new style of having fun. Bulawayo no longer looks like it was in the 1990s. Undeniably, the showbiz industry is at an all-time low but, big things are happening underground. I have discovered there are hidden nooks, where people enjoy themselves away from prying eyes.
When others grumble over the sorry state of our bars, some are dining as they listen to good music performed by local artistes. Given that people are territorial this season, it needs no genius to say summer festivals must be taken to ekasi. Pentecostal churches realised the benefits way back. They do conferences in your backyard.
Will there be celebrity artistes or international stars willing to perform ekasi? Why not? They should because this is where people are and that is the next showbiz hunting ground in the future.
In Botswana and South Africa, kasi entertainment is big business. Artistes in Mzansi perform where the people are. It has worked well. The industry has benefited immensely.
The last time we enjoyed real entertainment out of the city centre was in the days of Dan Tshanda and Soul Brothers at White City and Windermere hotel. With the benefits of entertaining people in their location, Bulawayo will retain its tag of being Zimbabwe’s most lively city. The city’s suburbs are a rich cultural mine and serve as spaces full of potential for any business.
Players in the showbiz business must give it a try. Some have done it and are not looking back. We want that moment of listening to Victor Kunonga or Dudu Manhenga where we can sit and nod our heads to some cool jazz.
The benchmark has been set by those who pioneered suburban entertainment. There is no room for the silly excuse that “‘we are doing it for the first time”. Bring us professional performers in open space and we will come in numbers. Do not forget the braai stands.
When we get tired of dancing, we want retire to the corner and relax. This tends to create community spirit and musicians will add to that. I have met some amazing people at these entertainment centres. By year end a wiser artiste will have more useful contacts and a legion of fans. I enjoy the bustle and thrill that comes about.
Things have changed with the mushrooming of bars and entertainment centres in suburbs. Do not forget that it will be a time to learn the culture, enjoy food and hospitality, all in the name of amusement.
As an art lover I would be happy and thrilled if I could spend the last days of 2014 without going to the city centre for entertainment. If you have not been entertained in these places, you do not know what you are missing.
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derick.khumalo