No Love Lost: Makhadzi Repsonds To Chaotic Zimbabwe Gig

The confusion that erupted in Zimbabwe over the weekend, where Makhadzi was forced to cut her performance short, has prompted a response from Makhadzi’s team.

On April 7, 2022, Makhadzi was scheduled to perform at Zimbabwe’s Manicaland Motoring Club, and everything went according to plan up until she took the stage.

As revellers began tossing bottles towards the stage, the situation changed into chaos. Makhadzi had to abruptly end her set to ensure her safety and the safety of her band. She has always felt adored by Zimbabweans and considers the nation to be a second home.

Some have claimed that the missiles were launched by enraged fans who were upset about her choice to perform to pre-recorded music. Others claimed there was a stampede as fans rushed to record the event because the venue was too crowded.

Zimbabwean show promoter Partson “Chipaz” Chimbodza said fans jostled to catch a glimpse of the Matorokisi hitmaker on stage. They broke down barricades meant to separate the VIPs from the ordinary crowd, resulting in the VIPs pushing back and throwing bottles.

Makhadzi’s team has spoken to TimesLIVE, clarifying what happened on the fateful night in Zimbabwe. Open Mic Productions managing partner Brenden Maseko said:

“What happened on Saturday, people didn’t throw bottles or things at Makhadzi; it’s false. It was the weakness of the promoter regarding security at the venue and the event. The barricade for [the] golden circle and general access was just a barricade. There was no security there.

“Immediately when Makhadzi got onto the stage, people wanted to come forward and see her, and they pushed the barricade. When they pushed the barricade, it fell on people. Those in [the] golden circle were trying to stop people and draw attention to the barricade. They started throwing bottles at the others to try to get them to stop entering [the] golden circle.

“We did most of the performance. We didn’t finish the set because we didn’t want to put others at risk. The promoter said he was calling the police to come to calm the crowd. It was a beautiful performance. People still love Makhadzi out there.”