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Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
Despite the poor attendance at the Spring Feelings Jazz and Dinner concert in Bulawayo on Friday, it was a night that was filled with soothing Afro Jazz music through the youthful exuberance of Bekezela and the midas touch of superstar Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi.

The event at the Large City Hall saw fast rising star Bekezela and seasoned Tuku share the stage with South African afro-jazz artiste Mr Prince as they gave the few music enthusiasts who attended real value for money.

Organisers of the show, Big Scale Entertainment, may have priced many music lovers out of the show – $120 for VVIP, $80 VIP and $40 for general entry.

Even a last minute price slash whereby they scrapped the VVIP and the VIP was reduced to $50 and the general to $25 did not help as they failed to attract a huge crowd. Less than 200 people attended. The tables where the VIPs were supposed to be seated were only occupied by a few people who were served with complementary drinks and a meal.

Although the city had so many visitors as the show was held during the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Travel Expo week, the event still failed to attract people save for the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority boss Karikoga Kaseke who made time to attend the event briefly.

Away from the poor attendance, the show was top class as Tuku, Bekezela, The Outfit Band and Mr Prince delivered.

The lighting on stage gave the show an international feel alongside the instrumentation from the bands and artistes that got the crowd going.

Bekezela, backed by the Outfit Band showed why he is one of South Africa’s most sought after artistes as he dished out songs such as Imali, Kugcwele, Siyashadisa and off course his hit song Bekezela. He was interactive with the fans and had them singing and dancing to his music. But his set had to be cut short to accommodate Tuku, as the programme was behind time. Before he left the stage, MC of the night Babongile Sikhonjwa asked him to sing Amanzi a new track he collaborated with South Africa’s Ntando. Bekezela obliged and the crowd sang along. The song is another hit in the waiting.