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Charles Mtetwa in London
Zimbabwe musicians Selmor Mtukudzi, Jah Prayzah, Tocky Vibes and Winky D departed London on Tuesday night in a buoyant mood after a weekend of splendid performances across the island nation, mitigating some chaotic organisation and seemingly profiteering intentions by the organisers.
Code named a�?SAMA Festivala�?, the first show was in the capital on Friday and the second one in Leicester, some 150km north of London.
Summer effectively kicked off in style for fun seeking Zimbabweans across this Kingdom as clocks moved forward in the mid of a music extravaganza provided by Zimbabwea��s top and energetic musicians. The musicians defied chaos and disorganisation by the promoters to provide entertainment par excellence. However, it was the chaos that marred the performance of these young and determined singers who surely have to be forgiven for not knowing what was happening at the front door.
Such was the chaos in Leicester that the health and safety of hundreds of Zimbabweans including pregnant women was threatened as droves pushed their way into the hall as frustration mounted. The show was well attended with more than 3 000 people turning up to enjoy their time over the Easter weekend.
The respect for human life and safety was ignored on the back of the showa��s oversubscription.A� Even as the capacity had been reached for the 1 500 auditorium, hundreds were still queuing patiently to dance into the warm weather season. The doors had been slammed shut and as frustration mounted, dozens forced their way into the Athena Hall.
This writer attended the Leicester show where many revellers had to force their way through as organisers appeared ill-prepared for the bumper crowd that turned up at the Athena Hall, billed as one of the largest and most extravagant buildings within the region. The venue was originally designed as an Odeon Cinema venue accommodating some 3 000 sitting guests.
Over the years, it has been redesigned and it is reported to accommodate up to 1 500 guests. The writer witnessed vulnerable people being pushed and shoved, drunken revellers threatening others and some finally taking control of the situation by forcing the doors open. Organisers responded by raising fees and some heavy handed techniques in manhandling people by bouncers.
It was sheer luck that revellers were not hurt, because in the event of an emergency it would have been difficult to manage such a large crowd where people were standing toe to heel with one another. Getting a drink took up to 25 minutes despite a potpourri of bars.
Selmor Mtukudzi anchored the performances, while Tocky Vibes weighed in with his one-man performance and by the time Winky D and Jah Prayzah entered the fray, the stage was well set for a night to remember. The singers performed their hit songs and Jah Prayzah even had to play his Hello song twice as the crowd went wild with joy.
Clad in full Zimbabwean military gear, Jah Prayzah who is a a�?Colonela�?, went through his very well choreographed moves. Tocky did well to please the crowd, helped by the background video production. Similarly Winky D weighed in with his hit song Disappear. The variation in style and genre among the entertainers also helped to ensure revellers were offered variety from the top hit makers in the Southern African country.
To their credit, the musicians were enthusiastic in their performances and indeed made up for the chaos at the main entrances. Even as they boarded their plane, this writer saw them off at the airport. They were in good spirits and who would begrudge them after wowing fans and music lovers?Jah Prayzah said it was a dream come true to perform in front of such large crowds. Tocky described the tour as a success and paid tribute to the fans, who a�?make my music greata�?.
Online Reporter