adminBongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
LOCAL music promoters have started to pool their resources together as a way to share costs and bring quality international entertainment to the country, especially to Bulawayo. A recent joint venture by Harare’s Chipaz Promotions, Dee Nosh Inc and Bulawayo-based 3D Events has seen the three partnering to host South Africa’s most sought after musician, Cassper Nyovest in Bulawayo next month.
Bulawayo has been starved of quality international acts, often having to rely on the annual Kalawa Jazzmee Homecoming party in December which usually features over five artistes from South Africa. But this will soon be a thing of the past as Harare promoters who have been responsible for bringing in most international acts in the capital are now roping in Bulawayo promoters so they host similar events in Bulawayo.
One of the promoters Dee Nosh (real name Kudzai Matongo) said it was high time promoters set aside their differences and work together to develop the arts industry.
“It’s high time we as promoters swallow our pride and work together. Not many promoters have the financial muscle to bring international acts into Zimbabwe, let alone Bulawayo.
“It’s against this background that we’re coming together to share resources that we have to host international, as well as Harare artistes in Bulawayo. If planned well, we’ll make a profit and everyone will be happy at the end of the day,” Dee Nosh said.
He said with their partnership, promoter, Patrick Chimbodza of Chipaz Promotions would co-ordinate dancehall artistes (Winky D, Souljah Love) while 3D Events and he (Dee Nosh) would be responsible for Cassper’s expenses as well as Bulawayo acts (Cal_Vin, Djembe Monks) who will perform on the day.
He said Harare hosted a lot of events because of these partnerships.
“A lot of events in Harare are not hosted by one promoter as it has proved to be an unnecessary cost. Big shows such as Bryan Adams concert and the Zarfest have also been hosted through partnerships with South African and American promoters,” he said.
“All we need is planning, timing and getting the modalities in place. We split the costs and profits of the show equally.”
Dee Nosh said good relationships had been built between local and international promoters, a move which has seen local artistes frequently travelling abroad for shows.
Kalawa Jazzmee promoters, X-MO Squad said collaborating was the way to go as promoters needed to complement each other instead of competing.
“Team work is the key for success because our prerogative is to have that balance between bringing quality entertainment and making money off that particular joint venture,” X-MO Squad director, Vusumuzi Siqalaba said.
Another Bulawayo promoter, Ndabezwe Sikhosana of Hella Hella Promotions said Bulawayo promoters had not partnered to host artistes as disposable income in the city had dropped.
“Disposable income is low and this poses a serious threat to the way we do business. It’s a good idea for us to pool resources but it’s difficult. At the moment, we can’t do it because of these difficulties,” Sikhosana said.
Online Reporter