Artistes' no-show marred the Big Show event at the Belgravia Sports Club in Harare on Saturday.
Despite the setbacks, DJs kept the atmosphere alive, while Mary Anibal and Nisha Ts delivered energetic performances that lifted the spirits of the audience.
Both artistes gave memorable sets, but the absence of major headliners left a sour taste among fans.
Freeman HKD, Nutty O and Saint Floew were present for sound checks but failed to show up for the actual performances, disappointing many attendees who had eagerly anticipated their appearance.
Baba Harare did not turn up for the event.
The gates opened at 12pm, with a small crowd trickling in as the sound check took place.
As Mary Anibal hit the stage and performed tracks from her Maria Wenyu album, including Paraffin and Bhonzo Muderere, anticipation grew, and there was a sense of hope for a festival filled with rhythm, culture and unity.
The crowd grew when Nisha Ts took over, delivering some of her best zimdancehall hits, including Manake and Kutsamwa Kune Labour.
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Her live band, made up mostly of talented females, added a unique flair to the performance.
“I am just a celebrity who performs to please people,” Nisha Ts said humbly after her set.
Despite these highlights, as the evening wore on, it became increasingly clear that the key performers will not make an appearance.
The absence of Freeman HKD, Nutty O, Saint Floew and Baba Harare was a massive let-down for those who had paid to see them live.
At this point, frustration began to mount, with some attendees demanding refunds.
The Big Show organisers handled the situation with professionalism. Their spokesperson addressed the crowd, apologised for the no-show and announced that tickets would be honoured at the next Big Show, a gesture that was appreciated by many.
The crowd, though let down, appreciated the transparency and the offer of future redemption.
On a positive note, the event’s branding and organisational efforts stood out. The Big Show’s sleek black T-shirt branding, professional ushers, a dedicated hygiene committee, and strategic newspaper and social media advertising helped to make the event look polished.
However, organisers fell short in wider promotional efforts, particularly road flyer distribution and billboard advertising, which could have helped to improve attendance.
The incident highlights the importance of ethical booking and clear contractual agreements between artistes and promoters. Clear communication and firm commitments are essential to protect fan trust and the credibility of live events.
Despite the disappointment, optimism remains that with better planning and coordination, future editions of the Big Show will meet audience's expectations and deliver seamless, high-quality entertainment.
