adminTawanda Marwizi Arts Correspondent
Dancehall artiste Soul Jah Love’s dented past disadvantaged him when he was denied a slot at President Robert Mugabe’s 90th birthday bash on Friday at Gwanzura Stadium.
Soul Jah Love has been in the Press for wrong reasons following a string of no-shows while he has also clashed with promoters over a huge group of people that he sometimes takes to shows purporting to be his backing band.
On Friday, Patson “Chipaz” Chimbodza who was responsible for the stage programme at the gala denied Soul Jah Love a chance to perform saying the musician lacked professionalism. The musician unsuccessfully pleaded with the promoter for a chance to perform.
Chipaz said he contacted the musician and told him to confirm his participation by collecting tickets for his band members and facilitate the preparation of the performance programme but Soul Jah Love did not turn up.
It is alleged the musician had a show somewhere else that night.
However, Soul Jah Love said he was never booked at any event and went on his knees to beg for mercy from Chipaz.
“I was never booked anywhere. The problem is that promoters are dealing with my former manager who is giving them wrong information,” said the musician.
Chimbodza said he wanted to instil discipline in the musician who has been involved in double bookings over the past couple of months.
“Other artistes came and took their tickets on time and we prepared the programme. We assumed Soul Jah Love would not be involved because he did not come for his tickets.
“I was surprised when he came asking for a slot later in the night when we had already prepared the programme. We could not disturb the whole programme so we denied him performance time,” said Chimbodza.
On Saturday, Soul Jah Love did not turn up for a show that was held at Blue Bar in Mbare where he was supposed to share stage with Tryson Chimbetu.
The musician refused to comment on the issue.
Online Reporter