Mashaba’s gig flops

Yeukai Karengezeka Entertainment Reporter
The much anticipated gospel show that was featuring South African gospel diva Winnie Mashaba held at Harare Gardens over the weekend was a flop.
The show was meant to launch two eight track albums titled “Vesai Moto” and “Isu Kwete” from upcoming South Africa- based Zimbabwe gospel artiste Letwin Chawira.

With only a handful of people attending the show, it left the show promoter who is also husband to Letwin, Tinashe Chawira counting losses.

“I didn’t expect this show to be a failure although this was my first time to do one in this country. For this Harare and Masvingo show I used about US$31 000 and only sold tickets worth US$480.

“Moreover, I encountered a lot of difficulties as Winnie cleared last minute by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, my posters were torn all over the streets so there was little time to market the show,” he said.

Also performing at the show was Mathias Mhere who gave a sterling performance with his band.
The main actor Winnie who closed the show made the gospel fans go crazy with her South African dances and popular songs “Menwana Phezulu”, “Re Tla Mo Leboga Kang”, “Joang kapa Joang” and “Ke Rata Wena”.

Although her performance was very good, some people had already left the place because of time as the show started a bit late.
Other upcoming artistes that performed include the group of Albinos called “Alcoz disciples” who were sampling some of the songs off their fresh album titled “Mirira Nguva”.South African based Zimbabwean singer Joel Maphosa also gave a polished act.Another band with great potential called Blessed Highways did well on the stage. Mashaba, who is a decorated gospel powerhouse with accolades and nominations that include the 2005 Kora Africa Music Award, SA Music Awards nomination and Metro FM Music Awards this year scooped award of Best Gospel Female Artiste at SABC’s Crown Gospel Awards.