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Nkosilathi Sibanda
IS it due a lack of words that we often find ourselves conversing about the weather most of the time? It is easy to break silence by talking about how hot the sun is on a particular day. With the winter season creeping in, conversations are all about the cold and the flu. I find it habitual.

Have we thought how we are going to enjoy the harsh winter days for the coming month? What has showbiz lined up for us?

Winter time presents an opportunity for show promoters and performers. There are few concerts in this season because people tend to prefer being indoors. Save yourself from asking them out, for you will be met with the obvious question: ‘‘To do what?’’

It has been long since we attended music shows or any arts performance in winter. Maybe artistes hibernate too. They are afraid of the cold, I suppose. The trend is noticeable here in Bulawayo. City artistes behave like their fans. To be indoors is lekker in this city.

Why go out when there is nothing to enjoy? We put the blame on every man and woman who call themselves entertainers. Their managers and sponsors are painted with the same brush.

Of late I realised how urbanites are slowly turning into a boring lot. Just because the city’s entertainment industry is low, everybody has to go the same route. On the positive side though, there are ‘‘die hard’’ showbiz enthusiasts who will stop at nothing to warm Bulawayo up this winter.

During summer we cared less if artistes gave us shoddy performances or none at all. At least we could find ways and organise parties and friends’ gigs. In winter that is hard to do. If artistes invite us to well-organised shows and they give good performances, we will gladly appreciate.

The current state of affairs has created a whole new style of enjoying. Bulawayo no longer looks like it was in the 1990s.Undeniably the showbiz industry is at an all-time low but big things are happening here. I have discovered the hidden nooks, where people enjoy themselves away from prying eyes. When others grumble over the sorry state of our bars, some are dining as they listen to good music performed by local artistes.

These places are in the residential areas. Either you are at a sports bar, a shebeen or small party. Those who enjoy tea and biscuits are not left out. They have their tea parties too. This is winter.

Clubs in the city centre better brace up for less patronage during the cold season.

It’s a surprise for many who are accustomed to city entertainment but it’s a fact. Residential areas are taking over the showbiz space. Whatever Sports Bar is popular than any nightclub. There are many such places. You will find braziers and good live music there. While one is entertained, they are warmed up as well.

We have been cultured to accept that quality entertainment found in city centres is REAL enjoyment. We were duped.

If you still believe this, it is not your fault. Musicians also have a selective approach when it comes to where they perform. But, would it not be a shrewd business move to perform where people are this winter. I will not spend my cash listening to guitars in the cold, away from the comfort of my neighborhood.

The big city syndrome is gone. The suburbia is wakening the sleepy city. Visit any high density area and you will give me a shout of agreement.

For me, festivals, in particular the music programmes, are an essential part of winter. Given that people are territorial this season, it needs no genius to say winter festivals must be taken to ekasi. Pentecostal churches saw the benefits way back. They do conferences at your backyard.

Will there be celebrity artistes or international stars willing to perform ekasi? Why not? They should because this is where people are and that is the next showbiz hunting ground in the future.

At this stage I would not want to give these entertainment centres good public relations spin but acknowledge that they have changed the way we do business.

Whatever your taste in music is, you can always find a place of your choice anywhere in urban Zimbabwe. Artistes must invade these new places. They grew up there. In Botswana and South Africa kasi entertainment is big business. Ever heard of Maponya Mall in Soweto?

Artistes in Mzansi go to where the people are. It has worked well. The industry has benefited immensely.
Over the years we have seen promoters taking shows to the city. The reason was safety concerns in suburbs.

The last time we enjoyed real entertainment out of the city centre was in the days of Dan Tshanda and the Soul Brothers at White City.
So will there be such names that are still talk of the town?

With the benefits of entertaining people in their location, Bulawayo will retain its tag of being Zimbabwe’s most lively city. The city’s suburbs are a rich cultural mine and serve as spaces full of potential for any business.

Whether I agree or not I always find it interesting to hear someone else’s perspective on the type and quality of entertainment they find in suburbs.

Players in the showbiz business must give it a try. Some have done it and are not looking back. We want that moment of listening to Victor Kunonga or Dudu Manhenga where we can sit and nod our heads to some cool jazz in winter.

Show organisers are in a fix. The benchmark has been set by those who pioneered suburban entertainment.

There is no room for the silly excuse that ‘‘we are doing it for the first time’’. Bring us professional musicians and get us packed in open spaces and we will come in numbers. Do not forget the braziers and the braai stands.

Remember all that happens ekasi rocks! When we get tired of dancing, we want to retire to the corner and relax.

This tends to create community spirit and musicians will add to that.

I have met some amazing people at these entertainment centres. By year end a wiser musician will have more useful contacts and a legion of fans.

I enjoy the bustle and thrill that comes about. My call is for promoters to make sure they provide plenty of both. That friend of mine who runs scared when I invite them elokitshini should feel free to enjoy.

I have never been to a festival where there isn’t room to dance so give us the space. Things have changed with the mushrooming of bars and entertainment centres in suburbs. Do not forget that it will be a time to learn the culture, enjoy food and hospitality, all in the name of amusement.

As a music lover I would be happy and thrilled if I could spend my winter without going to the city centre. I do not want to shiver in the cold when I am spending my hard earned cash. I want that brazier to warm me up while I watch live performances.

Entertainment centres in the suburbs promise me a warmer winter this year. That is where I will be.

If you have not been entertained in these places, you do not know what you are missing. Big shot company CEOs also get entertained there.

This winter we will brave the harsh cold to listen to music elokitshini, knowing that there is no better comfort elsewhere.

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