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Bongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
SCORES of Bulawayo residents packed the Rainbow Cinemas on Friday for the live recording of two episodes of the Mai Chisamba Show, with producers ending up using two different crowds for the recordings.
People were packed in Rainbow Cinema City 1 at Bulawayo Centre like sardines, with some standing while others were seated along the isle. The heat within the auditorium was unbearable. The studio lights and the congestion in the auditorium made the place extremely hot while outside it was chilly. Mai Chisamba had to ask those who had infants to kindly go outside as their children would have trouble with the heat.
Those who were outside were heard complaining that the venue was too small for such a big event that discussed topical issues like road carnage.
Issues to do with police bribery, kombi drivers and conductors being drunk, targets set by kombi owners and what role the commuter can play to curb road traffic accidents, were discussed.
Representatives from the police, Traffic Safety Council, Vehicle Inspection Department and public vehicle owners were present for the recording.
Even Mai Chisamba after the live recordings, bemoaned the size of the venue and promised that when she returns they would look for a bigger venue.
“If wishes were horses I would come back yesterday, but the next time I come to Bulawayo we have to get a bigger place.
“It is very small and we had to record two episodes with two different crowds. The response was overwhelming today and this is the third time we have come here,” she said.
Mai Chisamba said she remembers fond memories when she came to Bulawayo over 10 years ago where she recorded her show at Cresta Hotel and the response was also overwhelming.
“We are a social forum and we see what happens in society. I used to board the taxis and get my topics from there as people would discuss a lot of issues there. Everywhere I go I find topics even at funerals,” said Mai Chisamba.
As early as 12 noon the auditorium was filled to capacity.
Shortly after 2PM when Mai Chisamba arrived she was immediately mobbed by fans who wanted to be taken pictures with her as she got into the venue.
Spotting her signature two piece suit that many women in Zimbabwe love to see her wear, Mai Chisamba got down to business with the first topic.
The commotion continued outside as people were seen peeping through the doors to catch a glimpse of the talk show host.
Producers had to assure them that they were going to particpate in the second episode and many of them waited patiently in Rainbow City 2.
After the first episode was recorded those in the movie theatre did not want to leave the auditorium.
Efforts by Bulawayo police to ask the crowd to move out were fruitless, it was only after Mai Chisamba said: “This is what we were talking about in the first episode, ubuntu, uhunhu. Let us give others a chance to also contribute as they have been patiently waiting to get in.”
After her appeal the auditorium was cleared.
The road carnage episode recorded in Bulawayo is likely to be aired on Sunday, June 15 at 9PM on ZBC Tv.
derick.khumalo