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Kireni Zulu

Tawanda Marwizi Arts Correspondent
Marabi music master Kireni Zulu did not turn up for his show at Legends Sports Bar in Marondera where he was supposed to share the stage with Douglas Chimbetu who postponed his performance after losing his daughter in an accident last Friday.Chimbetu’s wife, who was driving the car was hospitalised for injuries sustained in the accident and was said to be in a stable condition yesterday.

There were no other passengers in the car.

The accident occurred near Mbudzi roundabout along Simon Mazorodze Road.

Chimbetu’s manageress Abigail Kuleya confirmed the accident, but refused to give further details, referring questions to the musician whose mobile phone was not reachable.

The show was cancelled on the 11th hour after organisers learnt about the accident and realised Kireni had not turned up. Kireni distanced himself from the show.

Show organiser Daniel Masaiti said they were told of the accident late Friday afternoon and they tried to get in touch with Kireni who said he could not attend the show.

“I was told that Chimbetu could not come for the show after the accident that left his wife hospitalised and child dead but Zulu told us that he was not aware of the show,” said Masaiti. He added that they could not go further interrogating Zulu as they had agreed to Chimbetu that he would bring his own supporting act.

“The contract was between me and Chimbetu and he was supposed to bring the supporting act so we could not go further with the issue,” said Masaiti.

Speaking to The Herald Entertainment Zulu said he was not aware of the show because Chimbetu management failed to come and finalise the deal with him.

“They told us that they would come to see me on Wednesday but I had to wait for two hours until their mobile phones went unavailable and there was nothing I could do,” said Zulu. He said he was surprised by the promoter’s call on the day of the show.

“The owner of the venue told me that I was supposed to perform at the venue and I was part of the adverts but I clearly told him that I was not in the deal,” he said.

Next week the venue is set to host Pah Chihera and Sulumani Chimbetu.