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Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected] 

Plumtree-based arts and music promoter Handsome “Handy” Sibanda, has stepped away from hosting events in the border town, citing a lack of support and consistent financial losses on nearly every show he organised.

With over a decade of experience in the industry, Handy who manages popular Maskandi musicians Aphiwe and Sobancane, dedicated himself to bringing entertainment to the people of Plumtree, curating star-studded events featuring some of South Africa’s most sought-after showbiz personalities.

For the past 10 years, Handy consistently invited high-profile entertainers, using those moments to uplift and showcase local artistes in the hope that Plumtree’s talent would gain recognition. The promoter was also the brains behind Plumtree’s Annual Street Bash and DJ Yugoe’s annual birthday celebration (most attended) – events, which became a flagship of the town as it attracted patrons from Bulawayo and the neighbouring Botswana.

Among the acts he brought to Plumtree were Generations: The Legacy stars Manaka Ranaka (Lucy Diale) and Ronnie Nyakale (Cosmo), comedian Madluphuthu, actor Israel “GP Ma Orange” Matsekezulu, and the late Yizo Yizo star Christopher Khubeka, also known as Gunmen, among others.

However, these efforts came at a steep cost, as locals failed to fully support his initiatives according to him – ultimately forcing him to step away from event promotion.

“Major events cost money. But for me, hosting all those shows was never really about making a profit. It was about my passion for promotion and putting Plumtree on the map as both an entertainment and cultural hub,” he said.

Handsome Sibanda with Aphiwe and Sobancane

“It was also an opportunity to shine the light on our local artistes because, for example, if we bring a high profile guest and we have our local artistes performing there, they would get the visibility they needed.”

Handy admitted that some of the biggest disappointments came from those closest to him, who refused to pay cover charges, dismissing those manning entry points with, “He is our friend”.

“The thing is, everyone here knows me. So, it became difficult to convince people that something great can come out of what I was trying to do. Due to over familiarity, it made it harder for my works to be taken seriously. 

“People would easily pay for an event done by someone they didn’t know or had no connection with. If I hosted mine, they would want to enter for free because “we are used to him”.

“This killed the dream and crippled the vision I had. Honestly speaking, every event was a loss. I kept on pushing with Yugoe because we believed that building something solid takes time.”

Handsome Sibanda with Generations The Legacy actress, Manaka Ranaka and DJ Yugoe

He noted that Madluphuthu’s appearance was the only event that proved financially successful.

“The only event where I can say we made a profit was when we brought Madluphuthu. For the rest, we barely broke even or suffered losses. I really love my town, Plumtree, but at times, I hate it. Because of the treatment I received, I decided to step away from event promotion,” said Handy. Despite stepping back from event promotion, Handy confirmed that he will continue managing and supporting Plumtree’s celebrated Maskandi artistes, Aphiwe and Sobancane. The duo has flourished under Handy’s guidance, as he manages them alongside South Africa-based arts enthusiast, Joyful Ncube.

“Those two are my people and I’ll never leave them, no matter the odds. The good thing is that they’re managed by both me and Joyful, which makes the work a bit easier,” he said.

He praised Joyful for being a pillar of support and a level-headed leader, adding, “We agreed that Aphiwe and Sobancane will continue their journey, along with DJ Yugoe and Babongile Sibanda.”