The City of Bulawayo has reiterated its ban on musical events at Queens Sports Club, referencing breaches of a 1960 lease agreement.
This announcement comes amidst public discussion regarding the planned “Bulawayo Shutdown” concert slated for April 26, 2025.
In a notice, town clerk Christopher Dube said: “The City of Bulawayo refers to various media reports and social media posts that have been made regarding the hosting of musical shows at the Queens Sports Club. Council has engaged the Lease holders of the Queens Sports Clubs and communicated via letters dated January 15, 2020, December 21, 2021, and May 16, 2023. Council further held an engagement meeting with the club manager on April 8, 2025 regarding the unsanctioned proposed Bulawayo Shutdown scheduled for April 26, 2025.”
“The City of Bulawayo has advised the Queens Sports Club lease holders that no live shows are permitted on the lease premises unless authorised by the council upon application. The city has in the past served previous notices regarding the holding of night parties which disturb the local community.”
“The above conditions are in accordance with the Notarial Agreement of Lease which was entered into between the City of Bulawayo and Queens Sports Club on September 1, 1960. The holding of shows is in violation of the Clause 6, which reads as follows:
"The said piece of lands together with the building thereon and which may be erected thereon in the future shall be used solely and exclusively for amateur sports with the requisite social adjuncts and the use of land and buildings for these purposes shall at all times be to the satisfaction of the municipally. Should the club desire on special occasions stage games, matches or events which would not come with the generally accepted meaning of “amateur sports”, it shall be entitled on each such occasion to apply to the municipally for its permission to the proposal and the Municipality shall have the right at its sole discretion either to refuse the application or grant it on such terms and conditions as it may determine.’
“The City of Bulawayo did give permission to the Queens Sports Club to sublet for cricket matches in line with the clause above.”
The "Bulawayo Shutdown" set for April 26, which now hangs in balance boasts a diverse lineup of both local and international artists. The event hosted by Harris Entertainment, intends to be a major highlight of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair celebrations.
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The show which will be in its eighth edition and has been hosted at the same venue before will be headlined by Uncle Waffles, Nasty C, Emtee, Zee Nxumalo, DJ Tira, and Eemoh.
Dancehall icon Winky D leads a list of local artists that also includes Killer, Enzo Ishan, Bazooker, DJ Tamuka, Mzoe 7, Asaph Afrika, Prince Eskhosini, Oriyano, DJ Ash T, Ricky, Master H, NoName Dance Crew.
Queens Sports Club, primarily a cricket venue, has increasingly been used for musical concerts and other entertainment events. This has led to friction with Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC), who are the custodians of the venue for cricketing activities.
ZC has expressed strong objections to non-cricketing events, particularly when they interfere with preparations for crucial cricket matches, such as the upcoming Test series.
There have been legal disputes, where the Queens sports club its self, has taken action against ZC, regarding the use of the grounds, for non cricket events.
ZC emphasises that its priority is to maintain the venue's integrity for cricket, and they are concerned that concerts could damage the playing surface and disrupt preparations.
Similar disputes have arisen at other sporting venues in Bulawayo. The Khumalo Hockey Stadium has also been a subject of controversy regarding its use for musical shows.
Concerns have been raised about noise pollution, damage to the playing surface, and the impact on sporting activities.
Bulawayo mayor, David Coltart, has been vocal about the need to protect sporting venues from misuse.
He has advocated for regulations to restrict the use of these venues for non-sporting events, emphasising the importance of preserving them for their intended purpose.
His moves to block musical shows, stem from the desire to protect sporting facilities, and to ensure that they are avalible for the sporting activities that they were designed for.
