Mutare in venues crisis

 

Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent

MUTARE’S entertainment scene is buzzing, but behind the sound and lights, promoters are grappling with a pressing challenge — critical shortage of spacious and secure venues to host high-profile musical shows.

With demand for big-name performances soaring, the city finds itself in urgent need to invest in modern, versatile event spaces to match its growing cultural appetite.

Manicaland Motoring Club has become the go-to venue for top-tier gigs, with Gusheshe Leisure Centre, also playing host to a handful of high-energy events.

 

But concerns are mounting.

Are these the only viable options in a city teeming with untapped potential?

Entertainment consultant, Obey “Big Fish” Hove, believes venue options are very limited.

“It is getting difficult to find suitable venues in Mutare. We need more locations that can handle the crowds, provide proper security, and give fans and artistes a memorable experience. Right now, our options are painfully limited,” he said.

The Fourth Street Lounge recently stepped into the spotlight, hosting sungura legend, Alick Macheso for the very first time.

 

The show drew impressive numbers and signalled hope for the emergence of new spaces.

Yet even with its popularity, there were glaring logistical gaps, particularly the lack of effective barricades, ticketing and security.

“The response was overwhelming, but we realised we have to improve on crowd control, and secure barricading to meet the standards of top-tier performances. It was a learning curve,” said its owner, Terry Matambo.

Barricading has become one of the major hurdles for promoters eyeing open-air or unconventional venues.

Unlike walled venues that are plug-and-play, open spaces require intensive setup such as metal barricades, fencing, and additional security all of which drive up the costs.

Mutare Sports Club has proven to be a solid contender on the entertainment scene, especially after successfully hosting the Doek and Slay editions, this year and last year, showing that with proper planning and setup, traditional sports grounds can become vibrant entertainment spaces.

Similarly, Mandel Nite Club in Watsomba has quietly made its mark by staging well-received shows, demonstrating that venues outside the city’s Central Business District can also contribute meaningfully to the region’s entertainment fabric.

Earlier this year, excitement brewed when the Pub Choir announced a show at Jubilee Gardens.

 

They, however, cancelled the show citing poor response on ticket sales.

“The Easter holiday timing was not good for us, but we are definitely coming this summer. We moved around looking for bigger venues, and some of the venues were not in good condition. We will this time hold the show at a bigger venue, which is Jubilee Gardens. Courtauld Theatre proved smaller when we performed from there last year,” said organisers of Pub Choir.

In the past, Mutare was rich in venue diversity.

On a good weekend, the city would throb with music at places like Caravan Park, Chapter One, Cannibal Inn, Dangamvura Hotel, Matongo, Queen Hall, Muunze, and even Sakubva Stadium.

Today, the story is different — Chapter One — is now a school, Cannibal Inn, is now defunct, and others have either closed down or become unviable for large-scale events.

Big names like Jah Prayzah and Winky D demand spaces that can accommodate thousands of revellers with ease and provide professional-level amenities. Mutare’s current venue line up simply isn’t built for that level yet.

What then can be done?

There is need for public-private partnerships to revive defunct venues or repurpose underutilised public spaces as well as incentives for investors to build multipurpose entertainment arenas.

“There is no doubt that demand is there,” said Matambo.

“Mutare has the fans, the talent, and the vibe. What we need now is the infrastructure to support that energy. Until more venues are upgraded or new ones introduced — promoters will continue walking a tightrope between fan expectations and logistical limitations. One thing is certain — Mutare’s entertainment fabric is rich, and with the right investment and vision, it can become one of the country’s premier showbiz hubs,” added Matambo.

Until that happens, promoters will continue facing a logistical minefield and fans, while loyal, may find their experiences compromised.

It is an open secret that Mutare is ready to shine. It just needs the right stage.

There is, however, a sense of optimism with the redevelopment of Caravan Park — a venue that once held a firm place in the city’s entertainment history.

A new investor has stepped in with ambitious plans to transform the long-forgotten space into a world-class camping and recreational destination.

This revival could not have come at a better time.

If executed with foresight, the new Caravan Park could offer, not just a venue, but a full-fledged experience that combines leisure, music, tourism, and community engagement bringing a much-needed new feel to entertainment in Mutare.

But, while new investments are promising, existing venue owners also need to take a hard look at their facilities.

 

 

There is an urgent call for them to pimp up or upgrade their spaces to meet the evolving demands of modern entertainment. From improved stage infrastructure and crowd control barriers to safety protocols and sanitation, many current venues fall short of expectations.

Even the city’s most frequently used venues are not exempted from scrutiny.

Are they truly safe and equipped for large crowds?

 

The chaotic scenes witnessed during the Makhadzi’s performance at Manicaland Motoring Club serves as a wake-up call.

Though the event was a crowd-puller, venues need to be extra ready to contain the overflow and ensure secure exits. Had a real emergency occurred, the outcome could have been disastrous.

With Mutare’s potential to grow into a regional entertainment hub, venue safety and modernisation can no longer be optional, but essential.

It is about time for both private stakeholders and local authorities to join forces, raise the standard, and build a live music culture that is safe and sensational.