adminTrust Khosa, Content Coordinator
LOCAL artistes have one thing in common – they all share fond memories of their time at the iconic Hotel Elizabeth.
It was opened in 1954.
However, standards declined in recent years, largely due to mismanagement.
The hotel was finally placed under liquidation in 2018 and is now up for sale.
“We used to perform at Hotel Elizabeth on Thursdays,” said Thomas ‘‘Mukanya’’ Mapfumo.
“We were treated with dignity and it was encouraging since they paid us well.
“We used to hold meetings there as a band and it was an honour performing at the hotel because you would get value for your services.
“It’s sad how artistes are now being treated nowadays by some promoters, club owners and their recording companies.
“Artistes’ welfare is no longer being prioritised by people who hire us for our services.
“Long back, we were guaranteed good money for our performances and recordings,” he said.
l SVOSVE
Similar sentiments were echoed by veteran saxophonist, Phillip Svosve, who was a regular at the venue.
The Ocean City Band co-founder said he was saddened by the news of the facility’s liquidation.
“History will certainly be erased if the hotel is to be closed or sold like what we heard in the press.
“I used to perform there, alongside the Ocean City Band, which was fronted by James Chimombe.
“We would gather at the hotel on Mondays for our payments and I still cherish those days,” he said.
Svosve, who now fronts Jabavu Drive, said management at Hotel Elizabeth had artistes at heart.
“We were respected as artists and it was every artist’s dream to perform at the venue.
“It was associated with high standards and we could earn a living by performing there.
“The clever ones built houses and made huge investments because of the benefits we used to get,” he said.
He, however, said the facility was also a sanctuary for thieves, prostitutes and daring robbers.
“It was also a venue which attracted multi-racial crowds from Indians, whites, coloured as well as criminals.
“Some would be mugged or robbed at the venue but I never encountered that during my time,” he added.
l JACKSON PHIRI
Veteran music teacher, Jackson Phiri, who used to front the Limpopo Jazz Band, said he has fond memories of the place.
“I feel blessed to be part of Elizabeth Hotel’s history.
“I used to play there with my group called the Limpopo Jazz Band, which was popular, back in the day.
“At times, I would hold solo acts and the money was enough to feed my family,” he said.
The 81-year-old, who is down with a leg infection, said he learnt the values of professionalism by performing at the place.
“Management at the hotel wanted business to be done in a professional manner and I still miss those old days.
“Performing at Hotel Elizabeth was an honour because you would be guaranteed that a multiracial crowd would come.
“New contacts, and synergies, were made there.
“It’s sad that it is being sold but history was made at the place,” he said.
l PATRICK MKWAMBA
Forgotten yesteryear singer, Patrick Mkwamba, of the Bonus fame, said Hotel Elizabeth was his favourite joint to hang around with peers.
“I was privileged to have been one of the regulars at the facility but I never got an opportunity to perform there due to showbiz politics.
“I was shut out by the late Marshall Munhumumwe, who only wanted me for studio recordings, but was uncomfortable to include me for live shows.
“I would pass by Hotel Elizabeth for drinks and fun since I was guaranteed quality entertainment.
“It’s sad that we continue to lose entertainment hubs which have a special history in our lives,” he said.
Online Reporter