Who pulled plug on Wizkid

Bruce Ndlovu
The question that has been on everyonea��s lips since Wizkida��s aborted show at the Old Hararians last Friday is what really caused the abandonment of one of the high profile shows of the year. A�

The Nigerian superstar, who arrived in Zimbabwe riding high after scoring a feature in a song released by Canadian rap superstar Drake earlier in the week, has borne the brunt of the criticism for the aborted show.

While most of the public scorn has been reserved for Wizkid, who has either been accused of being a diva for refusing to perform in the rain or for a small crowd, Bulawayo promoters have also not been spared some of the blame.

According to critics, the show was poorly advertised while the choice of venue also showed that not much thought had gone onto the planning of the gig, as an open air venue was ill advised in light of the prolonged rainy season.

However, neither Wizkid nor X-Mo Squad have defended themselves against the barrage of criticism from fans.

According to a source privy to goings on at X-MO squad, although the promoters and Wizkid had not spoken out against the criticism, neither had been responsible for what happened on the night as the showa��s financer decided to pull the plug on the show at the 11thA�A� hour due to the poor turn-out. Wizkid for his part was raring to go.

a�?What happened is a long story. Basically we were only managing the show but the financers made a last minute decision. It wasna��t Wizkida��s decision because he was willing to perform. He had been paid up so he was up for it,a�? the source said.

The financial muscle behind the show, according to the source, had decided that bringing Wizkid back on a later date was better for them financially, despite the anguish it would cause fans that had turned up.

a�?The rain messed up so I think they wanted to cut their losses by postponing the show,a�? the source said.

The refusal by Wizkid tour spokesperson Larry Kwirirayi to share any further insight also suggested that neither the Nigerian nor X-MO had a final say on what happened on the night.

a�?Like we said it was reasons beyond our control. That is the reason he did not perform. The official statement stands as is. There is no departure from it and new wisdom to share at the moment.a�?

a�?He (Wizkid) was frustrated. We were frustrated. The fans were frustrated,a�? he said.

The fiasco brought to the fore the fact that while most shows might brandish a certain promotera��s name, most would be doing the bidding of a faceless and nameless financer who pours money into the promotion of a gig.

Most wonder where local small time promoters source the money to bring in international names that are known to charge a pretty penny for a concert in their country, let alone one outside their borders.

While some come up with the stiff figures required, most are merely a front as they only do the running for businessman who might bring the financial muscle to the table but doesna��t want to do the day to day dirty work of actually promoting the show.

Such situations, however, leave the ones promoting the show in the lurch, as they get all the blame or glory according to how well the show goes. .