AMERICAN R&B sensation Toni Braxton’s local fans have expressed outrage over the “ridiculously” high price of her joint show with Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds who is landing in the country today ahead of their performance on Friday night.
BY WINSTONE ANTONIO
Sources also told NewsDay on Wednesday that Braxton’s planned tour of Victoria Falls was also cancelled at the last minute for “security reasons” as there was a possibility that she could be swarmed by media personnel.
Although there had been excitement in the build-up to the show scheduled for the Borrowdale Racecourse, the musicians’ local fans on Wednesday said at a time when money was scarce and thousands of people have lost their jobs, many would rather invest their meagre resources into their families’ “bread and butter”.
The fans – who took to social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter – said they would rather wait for Davido’s show on Saturday which they can afford.
Some people who spoke to NewsDay said the outrageously expensive ticketing was likely to affect the attendance, considering that a fun-filled weekend awaits them as numerous entertainment gigs have been lined-up at different venues.
The show is also coinciding with United Families International Church (UFIC) leader Emmanuel Makandiwa’s Judgment Night 3 programme, itself a traditional crowd puller.
“This is an outrageous ticket pricing by Bernie Bismark, $40 is out of reach for many. I would have loved to go and see my favourite musician perform live, but the pricing is just too much for an hour or two hours, performance,” Emmaculate Mpofu said.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Mpofu’s sentiments were also shared by one Jonasi Kamoto who concurred that music lovers were spoilt for choice during the same weekend.
“It looks as if the organiser of Toni Braxton’s show is concerned about milking some Zimbabweans of their hard earned cash, but things might not work along his way regarding the high number of gigs with reasonable prices lined-up in the capital this weekend,” he said.
Brian Mushapaidze said he was “a die-hard” Braxton fan, but he was disappointed that he would not be able to be part of the show.
“The ticket prices are higher regarding how our economy is performing and I have decided to settle for the Nigerian singer Davido’s Saturday show which is costing a reasonable $10 with some supporting acts,” he said.
Contrary to what usually happens when international artistes come to perform in Zimbabwe where they interact with the media, The Babyface-Braxton show organisers have outdone themselves in ensuring that the media and local fans are kept in the dark.
A press conference that had been scheduled for Tuesday was also cancelled at the last minute amid indications that the promoters wanted to keep the R&B duo busy with “other commitments”.
It remains to be seen whether a joint press conference that sources say has been scheduled for today will go ahead.
