Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
A NEW lifestyle and entertainment event, dubbed ‘No Plan Saturday’, is set to be launched on Saturday at the Zimbabwe German Society in Harare.
Unlike conventional entertainment events where audiences sit back and watch performers on stage, ‘No Plan Saturday’ is designed to put the spotlight on the public.
It gives people an opportunity to perform, learn new skills, interact and experience different forms of entertainment in a relaxed environment.
The event will feature a refreshing mix of mature music, spoken word, stand-up comedy and dance, while creating a platform for local creatives to showcase their talents and connect with new audiences.
According to Mbaki Nleya of Audio Academy — Institute of Media & Creative Arts, which is partnering The Showgroup Zimbabwe to host the event, ‘No Plan Saturday’ was created as a fundraising initiative for the academy while also providing an interactive platform where people can participate, perform, learn new skills and connect with others.
“Unlike conventional events where audiences simply watch performers on stage, No Plan Saturday turns the spotlight onto the public.
“The event will feature four interactive zones, each designed to give members of the public a unique experience,” said Nleya.
The first will be the Open DJ Deck Platform, which will allow anyone, from complete beginners to experienced DJs, to sign up and perform using professional DJ equipment.
“There are no auditions or competitions; amateurs and professionals simply share the same stage and entertain the crowd,” said Nleya.
The Open Mic Stage will provide an opportunity for musicians, singers, poets, comedians, dancers and spoken-word artists to perform before a live audience.
Every performance will be professionally captured using multi-camera video production and high-quality audio recording equipment, with participants receiving copies of their recordings after the event.
The third zone will be the VIP Chill-Out Lounge, designed for those who simply want to relax and socialise.
The garden setting will provide an opportunity for guests to enjoy refreshments, meet new people and engage in meaningful conversations while taking in the atmosphere.
The fourth zone will be the Live Radio Experience with Capitalk FM 100.4, giving members of the public an opportunity to step behind the microphone and experience live broadcasting at no cost.
“For the first time, members of the public will have the opportunity to step behind the microphone with Capitalk FM 100.4 and experience live broadcasting at absolutely no cost.
“Whether you have always wanted to present a radio show, host a programme, conduct interviews, try comedy or simply experience life behind the microphone, this interactive platform gives you the chance to make it happen,” he said.
According to the organisers, the event will offer more than entertainment, with competitions, interactive games, networking opportunities and a relaxed, family-friendly outdoor atmosphere.
‘No Plan Saturday’ is also expected to provide a platform for discovering and celebrating talent that often goes unnoticed.
The event is aimed at people who have always wanted to DJ, perform on stage, experience professional recording facilities or go live on radio but have never had the opportunity to do so.
Rather than bringing celebrities to entertain the crowd, the concept allows ordinary people to become the stars of the day.
As a community-driven fundraising initiative for the Audio Academy— Institute of Media & Creative Arts, ‘No Plan Saturday’ is built around a simple philosophy: giving ordinary people extraordinary opportunities to express themselves, learn, connect and create lasting memories.
With its emphasis on participation rather than passive entertainment, the organisers hope the event will carve out a new niche on Harare’s entertainment calendar while giving aspiring creatives a much-needed platform to showcase their abilities.
