adminBrenda Phiri Entertainment Reporter
A South African-based promoter is still counting losses after his Cape Town Summer Reggae Festival flopped leaving him with a huge bill to settle. At the centre of the controversy is Shinsoman who was the main act but failed to turn up for the show in time.
The crowd that was mostly made up of Zimbabweans turned rowdy throwing missiles on stage and damaging the Good Hope Centre, where the festival was held.
“The show is the biggest of its kind in Cape Town and this year it had up to 2 500 people who were in attendance.
The fans were anticipating Shinsoman’s act at midnight but he was nowhere to be seen for three hours. The crowd became rowdy.
There was missile throwing and property worth R45 000 was destroyed during the commotion,” Dexter Chikerema of Mambo Promotions said.
He said while all this was happening the “Mawaya Waya” hitmaker and his manager were having the time of their lives at a local pub.
It was only after the organisers practically drove around town in a manhunt that Shinsoman finally pitched up for the show.
“He breached our contract by failing to turn up on time despite to being paid his dues prior to the show.
They were drunk and had no excuse for their actions.
About 1 000 people got into the venue for free during the squabble and I lost R80 000 and I am now in debt,” he said.
Local movement Judgement Yard were caught up in the fracas and had their equipment damaged, leading them cancelling their performance.
“DJ flavour lost his laptop at the show,” said Chikerema.
Such were the scenes at this year’s edition of the Cape Town Zim dancehall fiesta.
In the past the show has hosted the likes of Freeman, Sniper Storm, Guspy Warrior, Lady Squanda, Stunner, Nox and Trevor Dongo.
Judgement Yard, Body Slam family, Supremacy Sound and other South Africa based deejays were billed to perform at the event
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