‘Rubbish’ show and ‘Rude’ promoter: Zimbabwean fans slam Baba Harare’s Birmingham gig
BIRMINGHAM, UK—The eagerly anticipated “Jiti Godfather” show featuring Zimbabwean star Baba Harare in Birmingham has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with attendees and promoters taking to social media to express their disappointment over the performance and the conduct of the event organizer.
Leicester-based Zimbabwean promoter, G1 (Mr. Gondoza), was among the most vocal critics, branding the show “rubbish” and alleging that event organizer Korrine exhibited “rude” and “arrogant” behaviour toward fans.
Downgrading the ‘Jiti Godfather’ Status
Mr. Gondoza’s most significant complaint revolved around Baba Harare’s performance setup. Despite being hailed as the “Jiti Godfather,” the artist was allegedly made to perform without a live band, instead using backing tracks (CDs).
”The show was rubbish and event organizer Korrine was very rude to fans, arrogant was the word he said,” Gondoza stated. “It was disrespectful to downgrade the status of Jiti Godfather Baba Harare to make him perform without a band.”
Gondoza further argued that even if Baba Harare’s scheduled band had failed to travel, the organisers had a viable alternative. “They could have used a locally assembled band with the UK-based session musicians; the show could have been better. Baba Harare was made to perform with CDs,” he added. Dj Wandy performed well he also added.
The focus of the fans’ fury has not only been on the music delivery but also on the perceived poor customer service and attitude from the event management team. The accusation of “rude” and “arrogant” conduct by organizer Korrine suggests a breakdown in communication and a lack of respect for the paying audience.
For many Zimbabwean diaspora fans, these shows are a vital connection to their culture, and high-energy live band performances are expected. The lack of a live band for an artist of Baba Harare’s calibre, coupled with allegations of poor management, has left many feeling short-changed.
The controversy highlights the persistent challenges faced by promoters in the diaspora in delivering high-quality, professional music events.
Show described as “rubbish.”
Event organizer Korrine labelled “rude” and “arrogant.”
Baba Harare performed with CDs/backing tracks instead of a live band.
Failure to assemble a local UK-based session band as a backup plan.
The performance style was seen as disrespectful to the artist’s “Jiti Godfather” status.
The promoters and Baba Harare’s management have yet to issue a formal response to the claims made by Mr. Gondoza and other disgruntled fans.
