Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
THE disturbing rise of violent fans and unruly crowds disrupting live performances in small mining towns has become a major concern for industry stakeholders.
In several instances, shows have ended prematurely after performers were harassed or physically attacked by rogue mobs.
Promoters and event managers are left counting their losses as property worth thousands is destroyed.
This raises serious questions regarding professionalism, security and crowd control measures at local gigs.
National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) Outstanding Female Musician winner Nisha Ts recently became the latest victim of this violent trend.
The singer decided to launch her new album, “Tsigamugobo”, in her hometown of Chegutu to celebrate the milestone with her local fanbase.
Supported by her longtime benefactor Tinashe Mutarisi and managed by celebrity designer Tinotenda “Hatiperi Wacho” Matayi, the event was heavily bankrolled.
However, the celebration descended into chaos when missiles were thrown on stage.
Event manager Hatiperi Wacho said the violence in Chegutu was a well-orchestrated attempt to gain free entry into the venue.
The ringleaders reportedly influenced younger crowd members into throwing missiles onto the stage.
Hatiperi further suggested that lower ticket prices often attract troublesome revellers, whereas higher-priced events consistently maintain order.
This phenomenon of audience entitlement in mining towns is not new.
In 2020, Zimdancehall musician Shinsoman was held hostage on stage and harassed by notorious, machete-wielding artisanal miners known as maShurugwi.
During the traumatic incident, the artiste was forced to play his hit song “Mawaya-waya” repeatedly.
While violent mobs are usually responsible for crowd trouble, performers themselves sometimes provoke crowds through late starts or outright non-appearance.
In remote areas where residents are starved of live entertainment, audiences react aggressively to perceived disrespect.
In Mutoko, Zimdancehall couple Malloti Rose and Ezbornwage “Hulengende” Chidamajaya failed to perform despite receiving upfront payment.
Outraged fans destroyed roughly US$40 000 worth of property at the Dhana Leisure Centre, looting stock and setting fire to a vehicle.
Though the artistes were later arrested and reached an out-of-court settlement, the owners have yet to recover from the massive financial loss.
Poor schedule management, inadequate security and lack of clear communication continuously create volatile environments at live shows.
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) has repeatedly called on event planners and artistes to uphold high standards of professionalism to ensure safety.
The music industry has seen similar flashpoints in urban centres, such as the infamous 2014 Sting contest at the City Sports Centre in Harare between Seh Calaz and the late Soul Jah Love, which turned into widespread violence after rival fans clashed.
Following the 2014 Harare incident, organisations like Chipaz Promotions successfully curbed venue violence by implementing strict security measures and active peace campaigns.
However, experts emphasise that security alone cannot fix the problem.
They note that creating a safe event space requires a collective effort: Fans must respect performers and property, while artistes and promoters must honour their schedules, maintain clear communication and manage logistics professionally.
