ROAR Entertainment, the organisers of the highly publicised show by Da Baby in Harare have said that the Zimbabwean market is not yet ready for an artist of that calibre, resulting in the cancellation of the American’s debut tour in the country.
Da Baby’s show was initially scheduled for September 23 before being postponed to November 17 and was called eventually off this week.
The organisers announced the cancellation on their social media platforms.
“Roar Entertainment, one of Zimbabwe’s leading entertainment companies, regrets to announce the cancellation of the highly anticipated Da Baby concert, originally scheduled to take place on November 17th, 2023,” said a statement by the organisers.
“This decision has been reached after extensive market research, which revealed that the Zimbabwean market is currently not ready to host such an internationally acclaimed artist.
“The findings from our market research highlighted certain challenges that would have compromised the overall success of the event,” they said.
Despite the setback, the organisers said they would host more shows in future.
“Our aim at Roar Entertainment has always been to offer the Zimbabwean audience unforgettable experiences and to introduce them to renowned artists from around the world," they added.
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“We firmly believe that diversity and exposure are essential in furthering the local entertainment scene.
“Despite this setback, Roar Entertainment will continue to strive for excellence in delivering one-of-a-kind events that are truly memorable.
“We appreciate the ongoing support from our fans, sponsors and stakeholders and we remain resolute in our dedication to bring world-class entertainment to Zimbabwe.”
Jah Prayzah and Holy Ten were meant to be the main supporting acts at the event, which was set for Old Harrarians.
Gold dealer and politician Scott Sakupwanya who has strong links to President Emmerson Mnangagwa is linked to the promotions company, Roar Entertainment.
Sakupwanya recently brought in world champion boxer Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather who graced Mabvuku prior to the general elections held on August 23 and 24.
Sakupwanya brought in the boxer as a campaign mechanism as he hosted the boxer in Mabvuku, where he was vying for a parliamentary seat which he went on to lose to Citizens Coalition for Change’s Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwe.
Sakupwanya, under Roar Entertainment, also hosted American rapper Rick Ross last year at the HICC.
“We [are] shutting down Zimbabwe. September 23rd I will be performing live at Old Hararians. I can’t wait to see y’all. From Mabvuku to Borrowdale, make sure you get your tickets right now. The Talk Chart DaBaby Concert is not to be missed. I might come early and spend a couple of days there and then do the concert, then spend a couple of days afterwards,” DaBaby had confirmed in a snippet video advertising the event.
Sakupwanya is alleged to have used over US$1 million to host the retired former boxing champion whose nom de guerre is “Money”.
Reports say Mayweather’s booking fee for any appearance is in the starting range of US$500 000 to US$749 000 before other expenses.
Sakupwanya was earlier this year named as one of the country’s prevalent gold barons by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ambassador-at-Large Uebert Angel in an Al Jazeera four-episode documentary Gold Mafia, which alleged massive gold smuggling and money laundering in Zimbabwe.
