Online Reporter
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
NEXUS Rooftop management has responded defiantly after artistes from Bulawayo raised concerns over what they felt was discriminatory treatment during South African musician MaWhoo’s show on Friday.
The venue has been trending after some artistes accused Nexus of treating them like “second-class citizens”, with management now insisting the complaints are “noise without action”, adding that some of the artistes “can’t fill their own sitting room for a show”.
Rapper Noluntu J was among those who publicly expressed dissatisfaction, citing poor sound during her set, unprofessional service from the venue’s team, and the failure by organisers to provide her and her team with a proper sitting area.
Another multi-genre artiste, who eventually did not perform, Fab G Mshanakagogo, said organisers breached their agreement by failing to pay his performance fee on time. He, according to Noluntu J, also struggled to secure a seat and was later asked to vacate it to make space for MaWhoo, an incident that reportedly left him embarrassed.
The issues prompted both artistes to issue media statements shortly after the show. Noluntu J later shared detailed video threads explaining what transpired, which sparked debate and public sympathy.
According to the rapper, her team managed to meet Nexus management on Monday, where the restaurant and bar allegedly acknowledged being in the wrong and agreed to issue a public apology on Tuesday, an apology that never came.
Instead, Nexus manager Manu Mahaso took to social media, appearing to mock the concerns and dismissing the call for an apology.
“Fill up venues, not social media networks,” he posted on his WhatApp.
Later in the day, he challenged Bulawayo artistes directly, offering what appeared to be a test of their relevance.
“I will offer free venue, sound, free lighting and 100% gate takings to any Bulawayo artiste who can fill up Nexus Rooftop,” he wrote on Facebook.
The post suggested that Mahaso believes many local artistes lack pulling power, thus implicitly justifying why they may feel side-lined.
However, some observers believe what began as a fallout may ironically spark positive change. The challenge, if taken up successfully, could force promoters and club owners to reassess the value of local talent and acknowledge that Bulawayo artistes can draw crowds without relying on sympathy or external validation.
Meanwhile, Nexus Rooftop owner Dr Qhubani Moyo also weighed in, rejecting calls for the club to apologise. Responding to writer Raisedon Baya, who had suggested that Nexus improve its public relations, especially after the club posted a meme appearing to mock Fab G MshanakaGogo over the seating incident, Dr Moyo stood his ground.
“We cannot allow arrogant artistes to dictate how we do things in our establishment. We are in business and not charity. Lowu ofuna ukuncengwa must know ukuthi uzancengwa nguny**o, not us!” he wrote.
He further dismissed boycott calls circulating online.
“We will not allow anyone to try hold us at ransom over nothing. Akulanto esiyixolisayo to anyone ngoba asenzanga lutho olubi. Some of these artistes making noise can’t even fill their own sitting room for a show. Those who want to boycott Nexus are more than free to do so,” he commented.
As the debate continues, the spotlight now shifts to whether any Bulawayo artiste will take up the Nexus challenge, and what that may mean for the city’s creative sector going forward.
Prior to Mahaso’s offer, Noluntu J had already launched her own initiative, “FillUpSittingRoom”. By Tuesday evening, she had shortlisted December 13, 2025 as the show date, announcing that she and Fab G would perform to prove their pulling power, with tickets priced at US$5 and US$10. With Nexus now issuing its own challenge, it remains to be seen whether they will choose to host the event at the venue.
