Sophia Chese Arts Correspondent
The UK Winter Festival tour, which was set to feature a number of local musicians, has been cancelled due to permit problems fuelled by the Ebola scare. Musicians that were scheduled for the tour include Nox, Prince Musarurwa, Pah Chihera, Jay C, Tally Bee and Celsius. They were supposed to leave the country on November 23 to perform in Manchester and Dunstable on November 28 and 29 respectively.
Nox’s manager, Spencer Madziya, said the development was unfortunate for musicians and promoters.
“I think this Ebola scare is driving promoters in UK out of business. It has also affected the musicians because we need these tours to keep in touch with our fans.
“It is unfortunate that the Ebola scare has delayed the release of work permits and the tour is now in limbo,” he said.
Musarurwa, who was supposed to perform in the UK for the first time, said it was difficult to come to terms with the fact that they will not be able to perform in the UK after putting so much effort into the show.
“It is really unfortunate that the show has to be cancelled after the promoters failed to secure our work permits. We had rehearsed and we were ready for the show but we have to hope for a next time,” he said.
The musician said he does not blame the show promoters because the Ebola scare has affected many promoters and artistes in Africa.
Dancehall chanter of the moment Tocky Vibes, who was billed to perform in the UK on October 31 and November 1, found himself in the same predicament.
His manager, Elvis Bokosha, confirmed that the musician failed to travel to the UK after failing to secure a work permit, but indicated that a rescheduled show was in the pipeline.
“When the show was cancelled we were told that it was because of the Ebola scare but the promoter has since communicated with us saying he has managed to secure a work permit for Tocky,” he said.