Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
A LOT of feedback poured in after the first installment of this article published in last week’s edition of your favourite family newspaper.
Promoters stated that they learnt a lot from a few nuggets plucked from the story, while others felt personally attacked, especially those who believe they can do it all alone – from being the gate security personnel, mcee, ablution blocks warden, curtain raiser, head chef, sound engineer and stage organiser.
However, some concerned venue owners and show organisers argued that fans in Mutare are an ungrateful lot, and difficult to please, especially when it involves supporting one of their own, hence the subsequent flops of various shows.
Others believe that sabotage and failure to support each other have been part of the game, while others argue that none controls nature – blaming rains and colds – for ruining their otherwise promising shows.
It is paramount to note that arrogance, an exaggerated sense of self-importance, and know-it-all behaviour by some show organisers, artistes, and sometimes venue owners, all contribute to the flopping of shows.
It is also of critical to note that artistes have a role to play to complement promoters’ efforts in ensuring the success of a show.
And in this case, most of them have been found wanting.
Artistes are not aggressively contributing to the marketing of the events to their fans, and some of them are shortchanging them through shoddy performances, leading to revellers’ loss of interest.
The worst thing an artiste can do is making revellers feel and think that they are being taken for granted.
Time management is a fact to consider.
If an event organiser says an artiste should do sound check at 12-noon, and a band shows up at 3pm, it disturbs the whole programme, and makes it difficult for the promoter to resolve any small technical glitches, which contribute to the flopping of the show.
This boob has been reoccurring in Mutare.
Most local artistes as well as ‘big’ artistes from Harare now have a tendency of doing sound check in front of crowds, a few minutes before performing.
This is sickening to say the least.
One of the country’s veteran producers and musicians who boasts of more than 30 years in the arts industry, Peter Muparutsa, said both sides (promoters and artistes) must complement each other for a show to be successful.
“To put up a good show, local promoters and venue owners can conduct market research, and understand revellers’ preferences, and tailor the events accordingly. They should invest in quality equipment such as an upgrade of PA systems and lighting to ensure a high-quality experience.
“There is need to collaborate with other stakeholders as well as work with local artistes, event organisers, and sponsors to pool resources and expertise. There is need for a promoter or venue owner to focus on customer experience, ensuring efficient ticketing, adequate parking, and good customer service,” he said.
It is funny to note that most event organisers, and even artistes themselves, after an event, fail to evaluate and improve.
Kevan Simomondo
One should gather feedback from attendees, and continuously work to improve future events.
And then there is the ‘Music Revellers Movement’ led by officeless show trendsetters, loosely translated as Mahwindi Ekumafaro.
These people can disrupt a show.
They are usually a few rowdy elements who can cause commotions at the gate, parking bays or sabotage marketing processes.
They can aggressively influence the public against attending a certain show at a certain venue.
Examples can be many, but a few classic ones may do.
A few days before the successful Doek and Slay show that was held at Mutare Sports Club recently, a beautiful, yet counterfeit poster started circulating on social media, advertising a Cap and Slay gig at the same venue, same time and featuring the same artistes.
It went so viral, and confused people, before the organisers addressed it as fake. Some unscrupulous local bouncers are making a killing at the gates.
Some smuggle in their spouses, in-laws and blessers (mutengi wedoro), prejudicing the promoters who will be expecting everyone to pay.
There are venues now popular for ‘organised disorder’, controversy and security fears that an internationally-acclaimed artiste like Burna Boy will feature, but flops if he performs there.
Local gospel artistes may testify this.
Talking of selection of venues, with the influence of the above-mentioned influencers, it remains strange how one very popular artiste can hold a successful show at one venue, and flop at another, in the same small city like Mutare.
Veteran music and arts critique, Kevan Simomondo, had this to say: “As an artiste, having a great promoter can make all the difference in the success of shows. Remember, some promoters have already established names for themselves, and are associated with organising successful gigs with a good line-up.
“However, it is a two-way process. While promoters work tirelessly to organise and publicise events, artistes also have a crucial role to play in ensuring a show’s success. Artistes can complement promoters’ efforts through effective communication. An artiste must keep a promoter informed about your schedule, requirements, and any changes. Promote the show yourself, share the event on social media, invite your followers, and encourage them to attend. Be professional and reliable.
“Show up on time, be prepared, and deliver a great performance. Always engage with the audience, interact with fans, and create a memorable experience each time one has an opportunity. Support the promoter’s efforts, share their promotional materials, and help spread the word about the event. Be flexible, be open to changes or unexpected issues that may arise during the event. Show appreciation by expressing gratitude to the promoter, and their team for their hard work. Most importantly, an artiste is encouraged to always rehearse, and prepare extensively for a performance which will subsequently lead to a good following.”
