Arron Nyamayaro and Trust Khosa
Several vehicle windscreens were smashed at Kwekwe Sports Arena on Saturday after concertgoers protested the absence of musician Hulengende, who had been scheduled to perform at the Burnouts event.
Hulengende reportedly failed to appear despite receiving half of his US$5,000 performance fee and releasing a video endorsing the show. His absence left fans disappointed and led to unrest and damage to property.
Show organiser Luck Dube said Hulengende’s manager, Melania Jumo, had received the deposit but did not respond to his calls. Dube told H-Metro that he was still assessing the extent of the damage.
“I was duped by Hulengende and his manager, Melania, after paying a deposit for the show,” Dube said.
“I paid on November 6, and the manager kept promising to sign the documents until the day of the show. Hulengende never came to perform. Some people became angry and protested by smashing vehicle windscreens and damaging other property. We are yet to ascertain the full extent of the damage.”
Hulengende and Jumo were not immediately available for comment.
Meanwhile, there was near chaos in Glen View, Harare,on Friday when he was billed to share the stage with sungura ace Alick Macheso but only made his way onto the stage around midnight.
His late arrival gave event coordinator Simbarashe “Cymplex” Moyo, who represented the management at Werras Gardens, a torrid night as he struggled to manage growing frustration among the organisers and fans.
“These guys are good, but they are not time-conscious,” Cymplex was heard complaining during the night.
“At one point, they said they were on their way, but now they are saying they are stuck in town after a breakdown.
“I just don’t understand this.”
Hulengende and his team eventually bulldozed their way onto the stage after Macheso’s performance slot, with the situation threatening to get out of hand as impatient fans began whistling and some disgruntled attendees broke into the protest chorus, “Musatifinhure”.
With the “bad boy” tag seemingly becoming part of his identity, Hulengende still has plenty of work to do to put his house in order.
When Hulengende eventually made his way onto the stage, he appeared to have more videographers than backing vocalists, with several people using their mobile phones to capture the performance.
His team had also given Cymplex’s crew a torrid time, although the host’s concerns were only partially eased when Hulengende finally performed for less than 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, Macheso had arrived at Werras Gardens as early as 9pm.
His band members were also present, demonstrating their readiness to honour the programme.
At one point, they had even resolved to make way for Hulengende as fans grew increasingly impatient.
“I am prepared to be the opening act if this boy is not coming,” Macheso said, expressing concern over the growing tension and the possibility of trouble from disgruntled fans.
Macheso eventually took to the stage after Hulengende’s performance and remained at the venue until around 6am.
Andy Muridzo also made a surprise appearance, taking to the stage and bowing before Macheso and the fans in a gesture of respect.
The same could be said of Tryson Chimbetu, who was born and bred in Glen View.
For Tryson, it was an opportunity to represent his ghetto in style as he performed two songs, “Saina” and “Denda (Mai vaJulie)”, backed by Orchestra Mberikwazvo.
Tedious Muchapedza Matsito Junior also graced the occasion, adding to the night’s entertainment.
