Big Show Marred by Headliners’ No-Show as DJs and Local Acts Salvage Event

A major Harare concert at Belgravia Sports Club was disrupted after headline acts failed to perform, but strong sets from Mary Anibal, Nisha Ts and top DJs salvaged the night (image source)

Harare — What was billed as a high-energy showcase at the Belgravia Sports Club on Saturday unfolded into a night of mixed emotions after several headline artistes failed to appear. While fans expressed disappointment at the no-shows, standout performances from DJs and select local acts ensured the event did not collapse entirely.

Gates opened at midday, with early arrivals watching sound checks as organisers prepared for the full-day programme. Mary Anibal and Nisha Ts ultimately delivered the night’s most memorable sets, earning praise for professionalism and stage presence. Anibal performed tracks from her Maria Wenyu album, including Paraffin and Bhonzo Muderere, while Nisha Ts energised the crowd with Zimdancehall favourites such as Manake and Kutsamwa Kune Labour. Her predominantly female live band added a distinctive touch that resonated with the audience. “I am just a celebrity who performs to please people,” Nisha Ts said after her set.

However, the atmosphere deteriorated as the night progressed. Freeman HKD, Nutty O and Saint Floew completed sound checks earlier in the day but did not return for their scheduled performances, while Baba Harare failed to appear altogether. Their absence left sections of the audience demanding refunds and questioning the event’s organisation.

Promoters responded swiftly, with a spokesperson addressing the crowd, offering apologies and confirming that tickets would be honoured at the next Big Show. This gesture eased tensions, while ushers, hygiene personnel and professional stewards maintained order throughout the night, preventing any escalation.

The event’s branding earned praise for its sleek black T-shirt designs, clear signage and active social-media marketing. Yet promoters acknowledged shortcomings in broader outreach, citing limited road flyer distribution and an absence of billboard advertising, which likely contributed to lower-than-expected turnout. Industry experts say the incident underscores the need for stronger contractual safeguards and ethical booking practices. When headliners fail to perform, promoters bear the reputational damage, making robust performance guarantees and penalty clauses essential.

For those who remained until late, the DJs kept the atmosphere lively, and the professionalism of Mary Anibal and Nisha Ts stood out as the evening’s saving grace. Still, the broader lesson for organisers is clear: strong production values must be matched by dependable artist commitments and comprehensive marketing strategies. Promoters say they will tighten artist liaison procedures and review contracts to prevent similar issues in future editions. With firmer structures and more aggressive promotion, they aim to restore the Big Show as a marquee event within Harare’s live-music landscape.