What was meant to be a grand celebration of artistry turned into one of the toughest nights of Tocky Vibes’ career.
The award-winning musician, born Obey Makamure, says his highly anticipated Mashangurapata album launch at Alexandra Sports Club drew a disappointingly small crowd on Saturday after a US$25,000 outlay.
Tocky’s manager, Temptation “Mount Zion” Chirenje stressed that the team remains financially responsible and focused.
“After investing over US$25,000 in the show, we didn’t expect such a low turnout,” he told Zim Now. “Everyone was paid. We owe no one. It was just an unfortunate situation once everything had been booked and paid for.”
Chirenje said cancelling or postponing the event would have been even costlier. “We had already locked the date and the venue. At that point, there was no turning back.”
Despite a star-studded lineup that included Killer T, Feli Nandi, Tamy Moyo, Seh Calaz, Andy Muridzo, Silent Killer, Kurai Makore, and Oriyano, the event failed to attract the expected numbers. Photos and clips circulating on social media showed a half-empty venue, igniting fierce debate over what went wrong.
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Social media commentators say Tocky’s timing may have been his biggest setback. The launch coincided with the Chibuku Road to Fame finals at Gwanzura Stadium—a free-entry national crowd-puller—and the Jacaranda Festival at Thornpark Polo Club, headlined by Winky D and Killer T.
Others said that the musician received the kiss of death when he accepted a vehicle from Wicknell Chivayo.
Refusing to wallow in disappointment, Tocky Vibes has announced plans for a free Mashangurapata concert to reconnect with fans who could not afford the ticketed launch. The date and venue will be announced in due course, the team said.
“He’s a resilient person who knows setbacks are part of the journey,” said Chirenje. “We’ve received messages of support from fellow artists and promoters who’ve been through similar experiences.”
Industry peers have praised Tocky for professionalism and courage, noting that his event setup—from stage design to lighting—reflected significant artistic growth.
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