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Arts Correspondents
Aquatic Complex in Chitungwiza on Friday had a mixed bag of acts as musicians performed at the ‘Chitown Gig of the Year’ despite poor attendance at the show. The venue is known for pulling huge crowds at gigs but organisers of the Friday show failed to utilise the popular venue due to poor marketing. Organisation at the show was also poor as some musicians took long to come on stage.

Fans threw cans on stage after dancehall musician Dadza D took too long to come for his slot while Soul Jah Love arrived for his act when most fans had left the venue. The organisers, led by Josh Hozheri, were unprofessional and failed to explain the setbacks that irked fans for the better part of the show.

Jah Prayzah was the main act of the show that also featured Progress Chipfumo, who was the first to take the stage and managed to thrill fans with his yesteryear hits. Chipfumo, who is one of most talented guitarists in the country, played songs such as “Mangerengere” and “Chenjera” among others.

“Tokwe Mukosi” was also received well by revellers who sang along and made a good night in office for the talented musician. When the musician left the stage DJ Cables entertained fans briefly before Dadza D’s band came on stage.

For close to 30 minutes the band was on stage with their boss nowhere near the venue. Fans were angry prompting them to throw empty cans on stage. Jah Prayzah’s stage manager Lloyd Kurima, who is popularly known as Mabla 10, came on stage pleading with fans to be patient but his request was in vain. The fiasco ended when Mabla announced the coming of Jah Prayzah on stage.

That is the same time when Dadza D arrived at the venue and went straight to the stage. He performed most of his popular songs but fans were not impressed. He rescued himself by introducing a female chanter from Mbare who managed to restore the party mood. The youthful lady charmed the crowd with her tricks and she saved the night for Dadza D.

After their act Jah Prayzah came on stage and the crowd went wild as he belted out his hits. However, he seemed not amused by the low turnout but managed to display dances that left merrymakers thrilled.