admin- One side claims ticket prices are outrageous
- Another says it’s worth the exclusive date
Shingirirayi Mugodi and Edwin Nhukarume
WILL the most expensive ticket to watch US superstar rapper, Rick Ross, cost US$5 000?
That is the vibe around Harare right now and it has sent tremors around the capital.
Of course, the organisers of the mega show, Roar Entertainment, have not confirmed the ticket prices and, repeated efforts from H-Metro, to contact them yesterday, were fruitless.
But, this has not stopped social media exploding as music fans discussed the figures, which first circulated on Wednesday night, throughout yesterday.
The show has been set for the capital on November 18. The cheapest ticket, according to the reports, will be pegged at US$50.
The general access tickets will be US$50 per head and US$150 for the early bird VIP ticket holders.
A VVIP silver ticket will cost US$3 000 while a VVIP gold ticket will cost US$4 000.
There will also be an option to fork out US$5 000 for a VVIP premium ticket.
TicketSmarter, revealed that prices for some Rick Ross shows range from US$25-180. The rapper has some shows in New York and California in the United States and has also been booked for a show at the O2 Arena in London. Rick Ross is one of the most sought-after artists in the world and it is believed fans from across the region, South Africa, Botswana and Zambia, will come for the show in Harare.
Despite complaints raised by some members of the public, who claim it will be a very expensive show, if the ticket prices are what they will have to pay, some local promoters said such an event comes at a huge cost.
Patson Chimbodza, of Chipaz Promotions, said music promoters plan the gigs with the aim of making a profit and they work according to the budget.
“As a promoter, it will be very unprofessional for me to comment on another promoter’s charges as he knows his budget and expectations.
“Showbiz is not about big numbers, but about how many people you need to break even. In short, these prices tally with the budget of event and promoters’ expectations,” said Chipaz.
One of the experts in the entertainment sector, who preferred anonymity, said a lot of people have failed to understand the way organisers peg their ticket prices.
“We are looking at the prices the wrong way. We are quick to complain about prices without actually looking at the packages they come with.
“One ticket is going for US$50 and the US$3 000 to US$5 000 tickets cater for a lot of people, who like a different taste, and come with a number of benefits.
“Those who are quick to question these prices do not have a clear appreciation of his music and its worth.
“Also, we cannot expect his shows to be charged the same way shows are charged back in his home country because performing internationally comes with higher costs for the promoters.”
l Below are comments from music revellers on social media:
Rumbi Clara: Ikoko kwe5K kuchatovaitisa cash coz mbinga nehudofo plus show off zvofambirana coz vakutoziva kuti kwema US$50 kunenge kusina vanhu ndopomoti isai Holy Ten.
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Tatenda Khartej: Eeh ndatya nazvo.
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Mary Phiri: Asi anoimba ghoridhe here?.
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Spencer Gwanyanya: Expensive enough to chase all who are paid in Bond.
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Lazzie T Chapo: But mamomya achapinza vanhu nemaUS$10 havo uyezve mamonya achaita mari.
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Blessing Mtetwa: 50 what? kuzvishingisa if you earn less than US$1000, gara zvako paden.
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Nate Jr Lee: US$5k I can buy myself a Fit, my mum a Fit and then pay school fees for my son for the whole year . . . These promoters bayahlanya, hw can thy organise such an expensive gig in Zim.
Online Reporter