Online Reporter
Bruce Ndlovu
Last weekend’s chaotic scenes at Milan Restaurant in Gweru, where fast-rising contemporary musician was pelted with bottles and cans after repeated sound failures, have reignited a critical conversation in Zimbabwe’s live event industry: Who pays when a show unravels?
What began as an evening of music turned sour when the sound system repeatedly cut out. Frustrated patrons, convinced they had been short-changed, hurled missiles onto the stage. Though Oriyano and his crew fled to safety, the speakers, mixers, and lighting rigs remained behind, bearing the brunt of the crowd’s ire.
Some blamed Oriyano himself for skipping a mandatory sound check; others pointed to promoters and audio technicians for the night’s technical glitches.
With equipment battered and shows derailed, the pressing question emerged: who is liable for the damage?
“In our contracts, we clearly state that the client is liable for any riot related damage,” explained Freeman Mugadza of Sound Kalcha.
“In other cases, we tell promoters that we will need to run a generator, and they say they don’t have a budget for that kind of thing. They can tell you the electricity won’t switch off, but the power goes off during the show. These are all reasons why people run amok, and according to the contract that we would have signed, the client is liable for the damage that would result from any riots.
“If we supply a generator, the power goes off, and it doesn’t work; in that case, I would say we, as the service providers, become liable for what would have occurred. All these things should be stated in a contract, and we should agree before the show starts.”
But liability can shift according to Mugadza.
“Liability can fall on either party, depending on what triggered the crowd riot. If a promoter delays the main act or refuses to hire a generator, they become responsible. Every potential trigger — power cuts, technical disputes, artiste no shows — must be anticipated and contractually assigned.
“As a service provider, it’s wise to secure upfront payment or include clear reimbursement terms; otherwise, even if the client is ultimately liable, it could take them a year, or longer, to compensate you, if they ever do,” he said.
He went on to warn that verbal agreements don’t cut it.
“All terms should be laid out in writing before the first guest even walks in.”
Despite these contractual safeguards, many Zimbabwean promoters operate uninsured.
Mduduzi Mdlongwa of 3D Events Management shed more light on the fallout.
“Service providers often end up paying for repairs because promoters vanish after a crisis. Liability insurance is a must, yet most promoters don’t secure it.”
He said globally, large scale events carry public liability insurance, covering everything from injuries in a stampede to storm damage.
“Every show should have an ambulance and police standby, plus equipment damage cover. But here, organisers rarely adopt these practices,” Mdlongwa said.
Beyond financial liability, there is the matter of safety.
“Promoters must ensure venues have adequate fire exits, enforce capacity limits, and meet regulatory standards. These precautions are strictly enforced in other countries, yet Zimbabwe remains lenient,” added Mdlongwa.
Without proper insurance and safety protocols, a single mishap can trigger lawsuits, expensive repairs, or even criminal investigations. For entertainers, technical teams, and audiences alike, the risks extend far beyond a cancelled gig.
In the wake of the Gweru incident, the second this year in the same city, coming after fans rioted when South Africa’s Cassper Nyovest delayed his appearance on stage last month, it is clear that urgent reforms are needed.
As Zimbabwe’s live event sector grows, so too must its professionalism. When crowds riot, the fallout should not be shouldered by under-insured technicians or fledgling promoters left scrambling for repairs. By prioritising insurance and stringent contracts, the industry can protect its talent, service providers, and audiences, ensuring that a night of entertainment does not become a financial and legal nightmare.
