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Nkululeko Nkala
So the scary big weekend finally happened. It was entertainment value for the city of kings. Tuku was here, Dorothy Masuka, Jeys Marabini, Abigail Kubeka, Winky D, Jah Prayzah, Vusinova, Nathi, Bucie, Calvin, Sandra Ndebele, Khuliyo, Miss Africa Zimbabwe and Untikolotshi.
Thata��s not even half the individual acts that were in the city. For the promoters it was nervous moments, for us the fans we were spoilt for choice. Of the promoters, many did not smile all the way to the bank with the exception of Jah/Winky promoter, Miss Africa and Untikolotshi. Why do I say so? I am looking at investment versus impact (numbers on the day).
Let me try to walk you through what I saw or rather my own analysis of the weekend. On Thursday I was lucky to be part of the Dorothy Masuka event as a performer, thanks to my mentor and brother Jeys Marabini who included me in his set.
The event was to honour Aunt Dot and featured The Outfit, Jeys and Tuku as part of the lineup. Have I mentioned that the event was $100 per person and $1 000 a table? Well, thata��s beside the point. In terms of idea that one is one of the noblest ever. Honouring our greats. Unfortunately it was poorly attended, probably because of poor planning.
Sometimes I hate the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) because it gives one the impression that audiences will just flock to an event because a poster has been put up. Actually it takes planning.
I am sure this one has been a huge kick in the teeth for most promoters as things did not turn out as they wished. I think the Masuka show had less than 100 people, even with the attraction of Tuku, Albert Nyathi, Jeys and the Vice-President of Zimbabwe Phelekezela Mphoko.
All this because the event organisers only got serious when the ZITF started. I also think it was supposed to be a classy event, but they only started two-and-a-half hours after scheduled start.
Miss Africa was my next stop and I was lucky to have performed there. It reminded me of back in the day when pageants were the in-thing. It could have been subscribed better, but quite impressive for an inaugural edition as they had partners who made sure things happened.
A Harare-based lady Maita won the pageant pocketing 15 000 Rands. The performances on the night were amazing.
Five hundred metres away at the Large City Hall, legendary Oliver Tuku Mtukudzi and crew were trying to remember Sam Mtukudzi (they did).
Back in the day Tuku would have packed any venue with no effort whatsoever. Considering he has not been inA� Bulawayo for a while I thought the City Hall would have been packed to the brim.
Unfortunately it seems Elvis has left the building. Before I forget the other thing with the ZITF period a�� there is competition with cocktails. People will first finish the free food and booze before even considering any event (just my observation).
Then came Saturday. This one was always going to be a tough one. The South African contingent versus the local hot property duo, definitely the highlight of the weekend or rather clash of the giants. If it was to be likened to football, it would have easily passed for a DeMbare/Bosso match (depending on form at the time).
This was one of those days I wished I could split myself in two and enjoy both ends. I ended up at Queens Sports Club, though I did pass through Amphitheatre and saw the huge numbers. Six thousand people is no joke. The only other time that happens is when Kalawa are in town.
Must have been Christmas for thieves at Amphi. Even Raisedon Baya lost his wallet, moments after I left him there. So I went to Queens. Goes without saying that Nathi is the man of the moment down South, I wanted to watch him.
Unfortunately though set up like Kalawa and even marketed like it, the show had slightly over a thousand people. A loss for the promoter, but the acts did not disappoint, they put up top level performances and kept the crowds
dancing. So dear readera��s help I declare. Local is Lekker .Years back that would have not been heard of. Jah Prayzah and Winky D have proved it. Keep supporting local arts.
Online Reporter