What Zimbabweans Can Learn From Oskido's Homecoming Event

Oskido at the Spring Explosion Event in 2014. Image Captured by Phil Chard 

Our on the ground and in the field Sindiso Dube happened to be at Oskido's Homecoming event in Bulawayo and captured this report on proceedings.

Arguably the biggest party in Zimbabwe- the most anticipated Kalawa homecoming party in Bulawayo came and has gone leaving memories to cherish for both fans and artistes.

The gig hosted by multi award winning artist-cum producer Oskido was set to match any international standards and it was a great learning curve for our local artistes and music promoters.

Rival rappers AKA and Cassper Nyovest did not disappoint as they put up top drawer performances leaving fans asking for more, and leaving a lot to be desired from:

Stage management- Our local artists tend to crowd the stage even if one is alone on the stage, they should not just jump on stage up and down, off and on the stage in the name of being an energetic performer.  There are stage manners and one should time his or her movements on stage.

 Rehearsal: Lack of preparation is preparing to fail.  Cal-Vin is one artist who takes his art seriously; I once joined his 3hr long rehearsal for a 45 minute act.  Not forgetting the importance of a sound check session, how can you go on stage and face the fans, microphone, and speakers for the first time.  It is a shame how sound check sessions are not taken seriously by our local artists and promoters.  

There was no sound check at the Zimhiphop awards 2015 held early December and we all witnessed what happened to the 1st performers who got on the stage first after a certain group refused to be the ice breakers because there were not given time for sound check, they became everyone’s sound check, sound balance was bad and unexpected stoppages in-between their set.

Communicate with the crowd: You talk to the fans, make them own the show.  When fans looked tired Cassper Nyovest made people dance to a house beat, why?  Because the night was mostly dominated by house music.  To our local Deejays please communicate with the fans don’t just play music whilst you keep your voice to yourself make sure you talk to revellers, encourage them to dance, chant something.  DJ Tira and Oskido communicated with fans they even chanted “the roof is on fire” and everyone went wild when there was no roof at all. 

Talking to Gweru based Deejay Tune-Master on the side-lines of the show.  He revealed that he had come to learn, “I am here to learn how the big guns in the entertainment industry are doing it, and we better ourselves through learning”.

No to Lip synchronization (Lip sych): This was common back at High school gigs, wait a minute it’s still common with our so-called best artists in in the country.  Lip-synching is done by some singers to ensure that the vocal performance will sound as good as the CD.  Please stop short changing us.  We (revellers) can’t be singing along whilst u just moving your lips up and down, so who is doing most of the hard work?  Then the promoter should pay us for our live act.

Live band: AKA's band never disappoint, I was impressed with how Cassper has adopted the use of live instruments and also dancers.  I hope our local artists could adopt live instrument.

Uphold that image: Maintain your image before and after the show.  AKA & Cassper didn’t invade the VVIP area like most of our artists do.  Winky D is one artist who understands that that’s why he always relevant even if he goes for a year without any new release.

Dress Well: How you dress will make people take you seriously or not, your dressing portrays the inner you.  Local rapper Stunner always says "Wen u look good you feel good inside".