Police and members of the army made up the majority at the annual Zimdancehall Cup Clash, which usually takes place during the last day of the Harare Agricultural Show, where top local dancehall chanters pit against each other for bragging rights.
BY LORRAINE MUROMO
The event, which normally attracts a full house, was partly deserted as revellers opted to stay at home in the wake of violent protests that rocked the capital last week and heavy police presence.
The recent wave of demonstrations that have rocked Harare were blamed for the unusual sight at City Sports Centre, where there was a heavy presence by soldiers and riot police, who manned the entrance at the venue, thereby dampening the spirit of revellers.
Fans were also given a scare through a WhatsApp message, which was doing the rounds, warning of potential violence for those who would attend the gig.
“Be warned all the youths who are planning to go to Zim shutdown gig on the 27th of August 2016 and Mafikizolo, please be warned, the war has started,” part of the message read.
Speaking to NewsDay yesterday, Silvanos Mudzvova, the acting spokesperson for Tajamuka/Sesijikile, said their movement was not responsible for that message.
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“We actually work to support artistes’ work and we want people to enjoy themselves in order to forget the economic crisis they are facing,” he said.
Even after the show, riot police trucks could be seen patrolling the central business district ready to descend on any protesters.
However, all the drama did not deter the performing artistes from delivering the best to its fans, with Soul Jah Love performing above par after his recent accident near Gweru, which left him with head injuries.
He blew fans away with his tracks Hove Huru, Gum’kum as well as Mhofu Kana Chirandu.
Seh Calaz, aka Boss Yala, was not to be outdone, being the highlight of the night with fans demanding to see him back on the stage four times in a row after his time was up.
