Government’s politicised reggae concert flops

By Henry Makiwa
5 November 2007

The much-hyped performance by Jamaica reggae star Luciano on Sunday failed to live up to it’s billing, as poor organisation and low crowd attendance marred the show.

Luciano drew media attention last week upon his arrival in Harare when he applauded Mugabe’s chaotic land seizures. His show, organised by the government in a vain attempt to spruce up the country’s battered image, was thrown into doubt after most of his band members were denied transit visas by the British authorities. He was then forced to opt for the backing of the local reggae band, Transit Crew.

According to fans the support of the government dampened Luciano’s appeal and he suffered the same fate other pro-Zanu PF artists have suffered. In recent years top musicians such as Andy Brown, the late Simon Chimbetu and Cde Chinx also had their fans shun them after they publicly supported the ruling party.

“Luciano’s political statements won him few fans amongst the neutrals that may have wanted to just go out and have fun,” said fan Albert Mthembo.

“The obvious fact is that most reggae fans in the country are youths from the locations who can identify with its messages of social equality, and they could not afford the gate fee hence the poor attendance. The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority who organised it poorly marketed the concert. The show was a flop,” Mthembo added.

An estimated 2000 people attended the show at the 10 000 capacity City Sports Centre which ZTA boss Karikoga Kaseke had chosen in anticipation of a huge crowd. Some revellers returned home when they were told to park outside the Harare Agricultural Show grounds, some distance from the venue and prone to car thieves.