Artistes’ No-Show Dampens Big Show at Belgravia Sports Club

The much-anticipated Big Show at Belgravia Sports Club in Harare on Saturday was marred by the absence of major performers, leaving fans disappointed despite efforts by other artistes and DJs to keep the energy alive.

Mary Anibal and Nisha Ts delivered standout performances, lifting the crowd with dynamic sets. Mary Anibal performed tracks from her Maria Wenyu album, including Paraffin and Bhonzo Muderere, while Nisha Ts energized the audience with zimdancehall hits such as Manake and Kutsamwa Kune Labour. Her live band, composed mostly of female musicians, added flair to her set. “I am just a celebrity who performs to please people,” Nisha Ts said humbly after her performance.

The excitement, however, was tempered by the absence of headliners. Freeman HKD, Nutty O, Saint Floew, and Baba Harare were present for sound checks but failed to appear during the event. Fans who had come specifically to see them expressed frustration, with some demanding refunds.

Big Show organisers addressed the situation professionally, apologising to the audience and offering that tickets would be honoured at the next edition of the event. The gesture was well received, restoring some goodwill among attendees.

Organisational efforts stood out despite the setbacks. The event featured professional ushers, a dedicated hygiene team, and polished branding with black T-shirts, while advertising via newspapers and social media helped establish visibility. However, limited road flyer distribution and a lack of billboard promotion may have affected overall attendance.

The incident underscores the importance of clear contracts and ethical commitments between artistes and promoters to maintain fan trust and event credibility. Transparency and firm agreements are crucial to preventing similar disappointments in future events.

While Saturday’s Big Show fell short of expectations, the professionalism of organisers and the quality performances of Mary Anibal and Nisha Ts suggest that with improved coordination, future editions can deliver seamless, high-quality entertainment that meets audience expectations.