Sulu misses US gig

Arts Reporter

Dendera exponent Sulumani Chimbetu was denied entry access (visa) to perform at the just-ended Africa Vibration Music Festival held in Texas, United States. 

The show, which featured musicians such as Mookomba, Dr Thomas Mapfumo, Sakidi, Niina Tupulaga Samoa, I Texas, Molotry and supported by various disc jockeys, saw a number of Zimbabweans in the diaspora attending. 

The organisers of the show, Yolk Magic, had hoped that Sulu, as he is affectionately known in music circles, would have his visa even at the last minute, but it was denied.

They later issued a public apology to their fans as they had to change the line-up of performers. 

“It is with deep regret that we announce that artiste Sulumani Chimbetu and his band will not be performing at the African Vibration Festival in Texas,” said Yolk Magic public relations and communication manager McPhill. 

“Unfortunately, they were not granted visas by the embassy despite our best efforts. We understand this is disappointing news for the fans eagerly anticipating Chimbetu’s performance.” 

McPhill said they are now working on the next project and ensuring that he performs in the US. 

“We are committed to bringing him and his band to a future event, and we appreciate your understanding and support.” 

Close sources in the Dendera camp confirmed the latest development and said their “boss” did not meet the requirements for the visa. 

“This would have been Sulu’s first US tour, but unfortunately, he was denied a visa. This recent visa denial follows another one from a few years ago for a different US tour,” said the source, who commented on condition of  anonymity. 

“The denial was due to a lack of supporting documentation. Sulu was ready to perform to showcase his talent.” 

Meanwhile, five days prior to the event, Sulu was marketing his shows in Highfield at East Point and Mushandirapamwe Hotel, which were held on Friday and Saturday, respectively. Munyaradzi JT from Mufakose, Sulu’s staunch fan, said he was happy to see their star at Eastpoint. 

“Somehow it is a blessing in disguise for us, but we also wanted him to perform in the US. I am an avid fan of his.