Online Reporter
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
AFTER weeks of short changing event organisers, the errant Zim Dancehall couple Hulungende and Malloti were yesterday arrested soon after their performance at the Doek and Slay gig at Glamis Arena.
The couple caused a scene as they resisted arrest, with their bouncers also caught in the ensuing melee as they assaulted journalists capturing the incident. The arrest is linked to a series of incidents in which the couple allegedly failed to turn up for shows after receiving deposits, or arrived late, leaving promoters battling to contain disappointed fans.
The alleged conduct has not been confined to Zimbabwe, with UK-based promoters also reportedly bearing the brunt of their behaviour, while some promoters in the sub-region have similarly counted their losses.
Only last week, management at Dhana Leisure Centre in Mutoko was left counting the cost of Hulungende and Malloti failing to honour a gig.
Their venue was reportedly vandalised by irate fans following the couple’s failure to perform, with management estimating that it will require at least US$40 000 to restore the facility.
The incident reignited calls for stronger measures to protect promoters, venue owners and fans from financial losses arising from artists who fail to honour performance agreements.
And, as such, yesterday’s arrest did not come as a surprise.
Management at Dhana Leisure Centre, led by Shepherd Maeni, has confirmed extensive damage to the venue following a violent incident in Mutoko on August 10, when angry fans reportedly destroyed property after Malloti and Hulungende failed to turn up for a scheduled show.
“The situation was chaotic at our centre after irate fans in Mutoko destroyed property on August 10 after they failed to come,” said Maeni.
“A promoter hired our venue to host Malloti and Hulungende, and they advised us that everything was in order. On the day of the show, we assisted them with logistics as we normally do with other artistes, but this time around, the script horribly went wrong as they failed to show up.
“Fans shattered our windows, looted stock and damaged cars and the stage in anger.”
Maeni added:
“We are still to ascertain the value of the damage, but it runs into thousands of US dollars. It was quite unfortunate, and something needs to be done to address the issue. It was more than a war as fans were really angry with them.”
