Rainy Season Challenges for Event Organizers in Zimbabwe: Tips for a Successful Show

The rainy season is a welcome time for farmers, who eagerly anticipate the promise of bumper harvests with every rainfall. However, for those in the entertainment industry, particularly event organizers and creatives, the rainy season often presents more challenges than opportunities. From the cancellation of outdoor events to the risk of financial losses, the unpredictable weather can turn a successful show into a costly disappointment.

Over the years, arts promoters have suffered from weather-related setbacks, with stories of events affected by heavy rains becoming a common theme. The Herald Arts recently spoke to key figures in the arts industry, including top events planners, musicians, and regulatory bodies, who shared their advice on how to navigate the rainy season and ensure the success of events.

Importance of Indoor Venues and Weather Monitoring

Agga Nyabinde, communications and marketing manager for the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), emphasized the importance of preparing for the rainy season by opting for indoor venues. He noted that show organizers must be vigilant in monitoring weather forecasts and plan ahead based on the most reliable weather predictions.

“The rains are now upon us, and we cannot ignore them. It is imperative for event organizers to consider more indoor venues than outdoor venues during this season. It is also essential to follow weather updates to plan ahead with accurate information,” Nyabinde said.

Nyabinde also expressed concern about Zimbabwe’s limited indoor event spaces, noting that the few available venues, such as the Hippodrome and HICC, are often overpriced. He stressed that the country faces a significant shortage of functional, affordable venues suitable for larger events, making proper venue selection and planning even more crucial.

Navigating the Gamble of Outdoor Events

Prominent music promoter Partson “Chipaz” Chimbodza agreed with Nyabinde, urging event planners to prioritize indoor venues to mitigate the risks associated with outdoor shows during the rainy season. According to Chipaz, the entertainment industry is a gamble, and organizers must carefully weigh the risks involved.

“Showbiz is a gamble, and during the rainy season, we tend to slow down on events. Taking risks can be costly if we don’t research properly,” Chipaz said. “In this era of technology, we mainly rely on weather forecasts, but we also look for indoor venues to avoid losses. Safety for revellers should always come first.”

Chipaz is organizing the National Cup Clash on December 21 and other events during the festive season. He stressed that thorough planning and choosing the right venue are critical to event success during this period.

The Role of Tents for Outdoor Events

For event organizers running outdoor venues, Kadoma-based events planner Tichaona Mharadze recommends erecting large tents to ensure that events can still take place despite the rain. He acknowledged that while outdoor events can be successful with proper preparation, they carry inherent risks that require detailed research and constant monitoring of weather patterns.

“We have seen it work before with the right infrastructure, but it is still risky to organize events during the rainy season. It’s crucial to observe weather forecasts and make provisions, like setting up tents, to protect attendees,” Mharadze explained.

Mharadze’s company, Odyssey Entertainment, is preparing for a crossover gig in Kadoma on December 31, and he stressed the need for caution and preparation in these unpredictable months.

The Cost of Limited Indoor Venues

Event planner Kudzaishe “Dee Nosh” Matondo also pointed to the challenges posed by the shortage of indoor venues, which are often priced beyond the means of smaller organizers. Matondo acknowledged the rainy season’s risks and suggested that if the industry had more affordable indoor spaces, it would alleviate much of the stress surrounding event planning during this time.

“The few indoor venues available are often expensive, which creates a major challenge for promoters. In the end, it’s a gamble, but opting for indoor venues is always safer,” Matondo said.

Alick Macheso’s Approach

Veteran musician Alick Macheso’s team is another example of how musicians and event organizers are collaborating to ensure safe and successful shows. The camp has a busy schedule during the rainy season and stresses the importance of cooperating with venue owners and closely monitoring weather conditions.

Macheso’s publicist, Tich Makahamadze, stated that the band is willing to reschedule shows if the weather conditions are not favorable for outdoor performances. “We don’t call ourselves ‘band revanhu’ for nothing because we understand the challenges our fans face. If the weather is not suitable, we will always reschedule and compensate our fans,” Makahamadze explained.

The Need for More Indoor Venues

Entertainment consultant Benjamin Nyandoro pointed out that while indoor venues provide a solution, they are often too expensive for most event organizers. He stressed the importance of utilizing reliable weather forecasting services to mitigate risks and ensure that event planners have ample time to adapt to changing weather conditions.

“There is a need for additional advertising when precautions are taken to address weather challenges. People need to know that the organizers are taking the necessary steps to ensure their safety,” Nyandoro said.

Theatre and Indoor Venues: A Reliable Option

Unlike outdoor events, theatre productions are generally unaffected by weather conditions since most performances take place indoors. Harare alone boasts three reliable venues—Theatre in the Park, Reps Theatre, and 7 Arts Theatre—where shows are guaranteed to proceed regardless of the weather. Other cities such as Bulawayo, Mutare, Gweru, and Masvingo also offer dependable indoor venues, making theatre a popular choice during the rainy season.

The rainy season in Zimbabwe can be both a blessing and a curse for event organizers. While it may bring much-needed moisture for agriculture, it also introduces challenges for those in the entertainment industry. By prioritizing indoor venues, using tents for outdoor events, closely monitoring weather forecasts, and conducting proper research, event planners can better safeguard their shows from the unpredictable weather and ensure successful events throughout the rainy season.