The Sunday Mail
No doubt Zim-dancehall is presently the most prominent genre in the country and events such as ‘‘Sting’’ are necessary to maintain the pace.
Despite the violence that hindered the climax of the show at the City Sports Centre last week, the event was fairly good.
Adopting the idea from the Jamaican Sting Festival, the local event managed to achieve its main objective of promoting the genre by bringing its audience together.
Zim-dancehall fans enjoyed the show from 1500hrs to around 0300hrs.
The audience selected the ‘‘victors’’ of the night from the artistes’ performance.
Unlike in other genres where artistes do not dress to kill, during last week’s Sting show, Zim-dancehall artistes matched international standards with their outstanding outfits.
Lynet ‘‘Bounty Lisa’’ Musenyi, for instance, was wearing a white outfit that reminded many of Lady Gaga. She was, however, overshadowed by Sandra ‘‘Lady Squanda’’ Gazi on stage.
Newton ‘‘Bad Man’’ Gwanangura looked equally glamorous even though he was ‘‘buried alive’’ on stage by George “Jiggaz” Tanjania.
However, improvements are expected during next year’s show. This is a learning curve for the Zim-dancehall artistes and promoters, we expect a better show next year.
They (promoters and artistes) have realised their mistakes, which is a brilliant thing.
“There is a special need to conduct Passa Passa events to educate our fans that Zim-dancehall is a peaceful genre,” said Patson ‘‘Chipaz’’ Chimbodza.
“Such events are necessary a few weeks before the next “Sting”.
We also need to introduce the selling of alcohol or drinks in paper cups so that there will not be any cans for the audience to throw at the performing artistes.
“At the gate there should be security guards who will thoroughly inspect every person entering the show,” he said.
On the other hand, less than five female MCs performed at the show.
The promoter said that this was due to the criteria which saw only ‘‘top of the cream artistes’’ being contracted.
