dyton mupawaenda
Tafadzwa Zimoyo–Entertainment Editor
After a month-long hiatus, it is now time for the music to play once again and indeed time for the entertainment industry to rise like the proverbial sphinx.
The month of January, or should we say Jan-worry, is over.
Now, we are in February. Again it’s the month of love, but first things foremost; may the shows resume!
A survey by The Herald Arts has shown that January was a tough time, not only for artistes; but for revellers too.
One only has to think of back-to-school, rentals, and bills, among others, to get the drift.
Yes, December was merry as people had a little bit extra to spend with their bonuses.
On the flipside, January proved difficult for people to attend shows, and even for promoters to host gigs.
One such artiste, who stood the taste of time, and used the New Year’s marker wisely, is Janet Manyowa. Defying the odds, the songstress hosted her “ANOT” show. She has consistently held that show on New Year, capitalising on the festive mood. The rest of those who defied January and hosted shows managed a handful of fans. They flopped.
With events and show hosting evolving, 2024 seems to be better, since most artistes confirmed that they have adapted to the shifting trends.
However, the debate on whether or not artistes and promoters should engage more foreign acts ahead of locals rages on.
Well, charity begins at home, as they say, but music is business. We still need that foreign touch in the entertainment industry, as is the norm in other countries while at the same time giving locals good money, too.
Nonetheless, we should be mindful that in 2023 it was more of foreign acts, which, somehow, defeats common sense when it comes to the beneficiaries of it all.
Who benefits more?
Remember the adage: a good turn deserves another. How many of our entertainers were topical acts in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, and Zambia, among other regional countries? But in Zimbabwe, every foreign act is treated with high respect, like royalty.
Well, Zimbabwe did wonders on the gospel front, as the United Kingdom dominated shows in the genre.
We appreciate some musicians who performed in foreign lands, even in January, though sources said it was not much of what they hoped for.
So, what are players in the industry saying?
Music promoter, Josh Hozheri, of Jazz 105 Promotions confirmed that shows had been shelved in January, attributing it to the renewal of license fees and venue structure issues.
“The figures ballooned to US$1 700 for a promoter’s licence for 2024, which has affected the industry,” he said, adding, “Somehow these figures were gazetted without consultations. It is affecting the industry big time.”
Hozheri said he is having his first show in March.
“My first show is on March 2. I am starting with a gospel show so that God opens our music promotional show. January has seen disposable incomes shrinking. It was, therefore, risky to promote shows,” he said.
He pointed out that the opening of schools compounded the situation.
“We are doing the Bob Nyabinde Kwekwe Jazz Festival on March 8 and 9, then the Winter Jazz Festival in Harare in June. Also, the Gospel Concert International is in September, while the popular shutdown gig is on December 20. Other small shows will be done in between,” said Hozheri revealed.
Afro-fusion singer Andy Muridzo had a different story, saying January was fine, regardless of many people over-spending during the festive season.
“We did not take a break in January. We were doing weekly shows as usual, with Killer T in some clubs, regardless of the low attendance. We even had a UK (Wales) private function,” he said.
“This weekend, we will be officially opening the Gweru Choppies shop, and on Friday we will be at Troyka Leisure Centre Glen View 8.”
He highlighted that 2024 is a promising year, as they are already booked.
“We will also be promoting our latest album,” he said.
Theatre practitioner, Daves Guzha, said besides music, January is a slow month for showbiz.
“Economically, it’s a disaster for the theatre business. We are resuming in February. We have ‘Sinners Reloaded’ at Theatre in the Park on February 20.”
“We have taken a deliberate decision to put theatre first after years of what we termed recovery as a result of Covid-19. The quiet phase has assisted us to reshape our thinking, and planning as well as have an appreciation of the kind of content that could work for the Zimbabwean audiences,” he explained.
Guzha said they would be hosting two plays every month, with each of them running for two weeks to allow the production to breathe and generate interest.
Mbira-jazz singer, Diana Samkange, affectionately known as Mangwenya, said she normally takes a break in January.
“The only shows I take if called in, are State and corporate functions. I will resume shows in February, starting on the 9th in Kadoma at Luana. This year is my year to work on more collaborations, and do expect out-of-this-world collaborations,” she said.
“I am planning to improve my stage performance as I might be adding some more band members and dancers on live shows.”
Dendera musician, Sulumani Chimbetu, said the arts industry experiences a lull every January as performers take their annual break, allowing fans to recover from the festive season.
“We are excited to share that we have been hard at work in the studio, polishing up our upcoming album set to be released at the close of the first quarter. We are expecting to resume shows starting on February 16 at Sherwood Golf Club,” he said.
Sungura artiste, Mark Ngwazi, said he does not do shows in January.
“This is when I take my leave; spend time with family, and also begin practices. I have been working on my studio album, which will be released soon. My first show is on Valentine’s Day,” he said.
Zim dancehall singer, Poptain, said January was dry, and will be resuming shows in February.
Sungura maestro, Alick Macheso is at his farm.
With most artistes and promoters confirming the resumption of shows, let’s give them the benefit of the doubt, and see what they have planned, taking lessons from 2023.
Online Reporter