Members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police and security staff searched artistes for drugs at Star FM’s first anniversary celebrations at Harare Gardens on Saturday.
Entertainment Reporter
The police, armed with dogs and baton sticks, conducted patrols around the venue, focusing on the backstage where they randomly searched artistes.
Layan Soldier, a Star FM DJ and brother to dancehall musician Winky D, was one of the artistes who were searched by the police.
The security team also harassed and chased away artistes who had finished performing off the stage and set dogs on people who were in the backstage area.
It was a sad sight as stage-warmers, mainly upcoming artistes, were stoned off the stage.
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Throwing of missiles and booing were some of the other highlights of the day.
Instead of enjoying the platform to showcase their talent, upcoming artistes’ performances were cut short as they risked being stoned by missiles.
As has become the norm, established artistes like King Shady, Jiggaz, Spiderman, Lady Squanda and Lady Bee, who were billed to perform, failed to turn up.
Meanwhile, Romeo “Shinsoman” Anthony got back to the basics of his music career when he wore an orange overall while staging an energetic performance.
Shinsoman, who has of late been performing dismally, proved wrong those who had written him off as a studio artiste.
The fully packed venue went wild upon his entrance and he had to give in to calls for him to perform his hit Mawayawaya.
His collaboration with Freeman Ndinomira Semukono was the ultimate dealbreaker as the two rocked the stage.
Freeman was to disappoint particularly because he was the only artiste among the top artistes who performed using backtracks.
Among artistes who excelled was also Dadza D who dropped his hits such as Magetsi and Baba Fungi.
Guspy Warrior did not disappoint with his hit Seunononga.