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Promoters value on local artistes

News
THE trend in the showbiz market appears to be giving more hope for local musicians with treatment improving as compared to previously

THE trend in the showbiz market appears to be giving more hope for local musicians with treatment improving as compared to previously.

Entertainment Reporter

Gone are the days when local musicians would be shunned and even struggle to get drinking water. That at least appears to be case with the forthcoming Sunset October Beer Festival that is being launched tomorrow at the Sunset Arena.

A state-of-the-art performance stage has already been set at the venue. Organisers of the event, Devine Assignments, yesterday said they are trying to create a situation where local artistes are given respect.

“Local artistes have suffered a lot of humiliation at various shows yet they are the ones that can tell our story as a people. Traditionally we have had local artistes failing to get appreciation and you see them playing second fiddle to foreign artistes. So what we are doing is we have created a platform for local artistes to have the same feel they get when they perform alongside foreign acts,” said Biggie Chinoperekwei, director of Devine Assignments.

“The stage is one of the most important factors for a gig and we are providing local artistes the same stage that we would have provided for an international artiste.”

Chinoperekwei said it is important for all event organisers to invest in local artistes to boost their confidence.

Previously, such stages have only been seen at events like the Harare International Festival of the Arts as local acts have been confined to substandard stages.

The two-day Sunset October Beer Festival stage has been named after one of the main partners and will be called the Pacific Main Stage. Tomorrow the festival hosts artistes like Seh Calaz, Garry B, Soul Jah Love, Tocky Vibes, Joe Mentro, Killer T and Kinnah, among others.

Chinoperekwei said Saturday afternoon will be dedicated to Rhumba, Urban Grooves and dancers while several surprise acts have been lined up for the main programme in the evening.

Meanwhile, Kapoto Restaurant has come on board as the official partner to provide snacks for guests at the launch of the festival tomorrow afternoon. Other partners of the festival include Diltek, Afdis and Delta Beverages.