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Rutendo Kanogoiwa / Bongani Ndlovu Showbiz Reporters
VIOLENCE marred the much-awaited Zimdancehall Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) shutdown at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds with revellers throwing cans and bottles on the stage after the venue was plunged into darkness due to a power failure.

The Saturday night show was organised by Star FM and had artistes such as Lipsy, Terminator, Dhadza D, Garry B, MC Lenny, supported by Bulawayo acts, Centre Party, Vic Valdo, Triple X and Real Kid as part of the line up.

The power outage that lasted about 15 minutes happened just after Guspy Warrior had performed his fourth song. Fans waited patiently for five minutes while the Seunononga hit maker made his way off the stage.

When the technicians were fixing the problem the impatient crowd started throwing cans and bottles towards the stage. They were suspecting that the show had ended without them seeing other artistes.

Those housed backstage scurried for cover under the stage with some seeking refuge behind the tent when the beer cans and bottles were raining. As this was happening there were thousands of people running in all directions with police chasing culprits who were causing mayhem.

Some people were seen running out of the venue, before returning when power was restored.

Before the power outage Lipsy collapsed when she was getting off the stage shortly after her performance, and was taken to her hotel room where she was said to be recovering.

Some in the crowd suspected that she was heavily intoxicated but Godfather Templeman said she was fine.

“Lipsy has a condition that makes her faint every now and then. It happens but she’s never collapsed on stage before. She will be well in no time. She just needs some rest and air,” said Templeman who was backstage broadcasting live part of the show on his Zimdancehall Overdrive from 9PM to 12 midnight.

Apart from the power cut which almost forced the show to come to an end prematurely the event was a success as there was a huge turnout.

People came in their numbers as the crowd had both the young and the old dancing and singing along to every household song.

Revellers were treated to some dancehall riddims compliments of Templeman as he chanted the night away bringing back the memories of old riddims.

Harare artiste Terminator left people yearning for more as he gave a thorough performance with his interesting songs which were easy to sing along to.

Guspy Warrior, Ricky Fire, Dhadza D also wowed the fans with their songs and splendid performances.

Across town at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre it was a carnival atmosphere as Alick Macheso and Jah Prayzah staged a memorable show at another ZITF shutdown with both artistes holding their own in front of a bumper crowd.

The sungura maestro Macheso and Jah Prayzah were the highlight of the ZITF period as the duo shared the stage for the first time in Bulawayo.

The show which had all the promises to be explosive lived up to expectations as Jah Prayzah and the 3rd Generation Band started the ball rolling at around 10PM.

Scores of people who had come to watch him enjoyed every minute of his performance as he kept them on their feet.

In his signature military gear Jah Prayzah went through his four albums Sungano yeRudo, Ngwarira Kuparara, Tsviriyo and Kumbumura Mhute in a four hour performance.

As Jah Prayzah left, he was sent off by warm applause and Macheso was greeted by wild cheers.

It was business as usual for Extra Basso and his Orchestra Mberikwazvo who kicked off his performance with Madhawu, much to the delight of fans.

To energetic dances, he went through some of his songs that took many down memory lane such as Wemakonzo, Madhuve and Chimoko changu.

Macheso took time to remember Pengaudzoke leader Daiton Somanje who died recently when he played Shereni ihombe pamhaka much to the delight of the crowd.

His show ended in the wee hours of Sunday morning.