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Elvas Mari

Jonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe says it will soon regulate local shows to avoid unnecessary clashes that have rocked the entertainment industry. NACZ director Elvas Mari said the council would monitor promoters’ activities to protect interests of the greater arts industry. “Previously, the rule was that there can only be one international show every month but now we have noted with concern that even local shows need to be regulated,” he said.

“Some 10 or so years ago, we never used to have several shows lined up for the same weekend and competing for the same crowd, but now that is fast becoming the order and we need to move in and bring sanity.”

Mari was speaking at the Chibuku Road to Fame national finals held at Glamis Stadium last weekend. He noted that last weekend was one of the busiest on the entertainment calendar.
“Unlike other weekends, I think this weekend has seen several shows and festivals happening at the same time with some shows competing for the same crowd. While this is good for the artistes, I think organisers need to give each other space and time so that there are no flops.

“Organising such big shows does not come cheap and therefore everyone should enjoy good business and reach out to their target audience,” he said.
Mari’s comments came hot on the heels of several gigs, shows and festivals that took place in Harare over the weekend.

There was the Police Commissioner-General’s Funfair at Morris Depot, the Chibuku Road To Fame , Shoko Festival at Alex Sports Club, The Zimbabwe Fashion Week at Harare City Library and then the SADC Fashion Week at Chapman Golf Club and Marimba Festival.

There was also the South African group – The Parlotones – concert held at the Borrowdale Racecourse.
However, there were thousands of people who attended both Chibuku Road to Fame and the Police Commissioner-General’s Funfair.

One common thing about the two events was that a number of artistes in the likes of Alick Macheso, Jah Prayzah, Suluman Chimbetu performed at both shows.
There were two different international fashion shows , the Zimbabwe Fashion Week and the SADC Fashion Week, that had different thrusts and fashionistas were spoilt for choice.

Shoko Festival which is unique in its own way, also had huge crowds that attended different sessions that ranged from urban culture, music, comedy, poetry, DJ parties, talks, new media workshops and awards with local, regional and international acts.