RISING sungura star Mark Ngwazi’s much-publicised shows in Johannesburg and Pretoria flopped due to poor attendance.
The ‘Huzukwende’ album tour was snubbed at both venues.
A paltry crowd of less than 100 people attended the first show at the Newtown Music Factory on Saturday night.
The situation deteriorated on Sunday night in Pretoria where a small crowd was in attendance.
RISING sungura star Mark Ngwazi’s much-publicised shows in Johannesburg and Pretoria flopped due to poor attendance.
The ‘Huzukwende’ album tour was snubbed at both venues.
A paltry crowd of less than 100 people attended the first show at the Newtown Music Factory on Saturday night.
The situation deteriorated on Sunday night in Pretoria where a small crowd was in attendance.
This has left promoters counting their losses.
“I think Ngwazi hasn’t reached the level of the likes of Alick Macheso, who normally fill venues such as Bassline,” said one fan.
“It will take time for him to get to that level and promoters should ensure they do proper market research to gauge what the fans want.”
Despite the paltry crowd, Ngwazi gave a good performance but was not at his usual best.
Before Ngwazi, Hwinza also played before a virtually empty house as a supporting act. Some of the fans showered him with hundreds of rands in appreciation of his performance.
The Friday night event was organised by PK July, who promoted the Alick Macheso show earlier this year, which drew a full house.
Meanwhile, there was drama at the show as Jah Signal, who was billed to perform, refused to leave his hotel room.
He was allegedly not paid in full. The promoter alleges the Jah Signal camp kept changing goal posts at the last-minute.
“I had a deal with them that whatever amount they charged me, it was inclusive of their flights. They had to request that I include their dancers who had to travelled from Zimbabwe by bus,” said July.
“I had paid 80% of their performance fees and the difference was due on the day before their performance.
“I asked that they should come and perform but they were not picking up my calls.
“There was chaos in the venue as some fans started throwing cans onto the stage in frustration.
“To my surprise, Jah Signal came to the venue at around 3am with some bouncers, trying to intimidate me.
“I told them straight that it was late and I don’t owe them anything.
“This isn’t the first time I am dealing with his artist and I am surprised with the way he decided to react this time.”
Jah Signal’s manager, Hillary “Punchline” Mutake, dismissed the promoter’s remarks.
“
The promoter is being economical with the truth. The fact is he did not pay us in full as agreed and we did not perform.
“The so-called bouncer is actually our driver that we move around with when we are in Johannesburg.”
