The Curse of Wrong Supporting Acts.

Whenever I hear the news of an international artist coming to our shores I become excited, but more than often the supporting acts for the show will shock me. Promoters in Zimbabwe just fill the poster with all the popular artists and hope to make a killing from the show. It worked for some time but judging with the recent shows that formula is now obsolete.

There are different genres of music, and when an artist of a certain genre is coming for a concert, appropriate supporting acts must be selected regardless of their current popularity status. One major success was the James Blunt show that took place on the 18th of February, there were only two supporting acts, Rob Burrell and Tariro Negitare. The two supporting acts sing music similar to James Blunt and the show sailed smoothly because everything was correctly themed and in turn the appropriate crowd was attracted. 

This weekend there we two major shows in the capital. The Ngoma Nehosho show headlined by Jazz Legend Hugh Masekela and the Pacific Sunsplash headlined by Reggae Icon Luciano. 

• The Ngoma Nehoshso show was classy and appropriately organised. The supporting acts, were Prayersoul, Silent Nqo, Mokoomba & Jazz Crooner Victor Kunonga. Looking at the artist list one would know what to expect from the show. No artists will be singing an unfitting genre compared to others, their music all blends. The show fared well, no arguments from those who attended, and if fans do not complain its a great sign of how well the show was received.
• The Pacific Sunsplash despite being headlined by an Iconic musician and performer the supporting acts made the show confusing. One would not know if it was a dancehall, sungura or reggae show. When I heard Luciano is coming I expected supporting  acts such as Transit Crew, Mic Inity, Ras Caleb, Matty Julias and maybe one traditional mbira fused Chimurenga music act. But well the promoters thought otherwise, throwing in the top sungura acts, top dancehall acts and in the end the concert was a concoction of music rather than a reggae infused concert it should have been judging by the headlining act. In the end they attracted an mixed crowd, and there was bound to be conflict among the crowd, hence the  can throwing witnessed.
  

It is of utmost importance to chose supporting acts that compliment the headlining act rather than a contradicting genre. Zim Promoters must put more effort and knowledge in selecting supporting acts. There are many artists in the country to compliment any theme and genre. Every show includes either Winky D, Soul Jah Luv, Tocky Vybes, Sulu or Jah Prayzah!!!!, they are not the only artists in the country. Yes they are good but they should only be selected when they fit the theme and genre of the concert. 

In widening the base Promoters select for major concerts the arts sector will greatly develop.

Most will argue that these few are chosen because they have huge fan bases which translate into sold out shows and big profit. This may be true to some extent but the recent shows contradict that. The Luciano show was not that well attended despite the big names billed to perform, the James Blunt show sold out despite having just two supporting acts, The Bryan Adams show was sold out without any supporting act,  Therefore promoters cannot base their selection on that reason because its proven they can make a profit by appropriately organizing a well themed concert. This concoction of big artists must stop, we need more organised shows in the Country, its killing our love for shows and concerts.

Proud_Zimbo