Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
IT was supposed to be the crowning moment for Madlela Skhobokhobo in his hometown of Gwanda, but the rains had other ideas as his show on Saturday was washed out forcing him to cancel it.
The artiste had planned to host a festival to entertain and thank people in his hometown for their support as he has gained celebrity status in the country with his blockbuster song Ngamnanka. Supporting Madlela was supposed to be Jeys Marabini, Sandra Ndebele, Nkwali, Martin and Ndolwane Super Sounds, Zinja Ziyamluma, Themba Boyoyo and Khuxxman.
Just like last month’s Splash Festival in Bulawayo where the show was washed out, so was the case on a day he dubbed Madlela Day at Pelandaba Stadium.
A heavy downpour that battered the town for hours on Saturday caused the cancellation of his show leaving the artiste very disappointed.
Taking to his Facebook fan page, Madlela apologised to fans during a lengthy live post.
“There’s nothing we could do because it was God who opened the heavens. The rains were relentless the whole day until 11PM.
“There were a lot of people who wanted to come and watch me especially children who wanted to see uMdala wehloka (the old man carrying an axe). However, it wasn’t meant to be,” said Madlela Skhobokhobo.
He said he was now planning to hold a makeup show some time this week.
“In all fairness, my fans have to see me and my fellow artistes on stage performing. I’m planning on performing before the end of the year, maybe on the 28th or 29th of this month.”
The song Ngamnanka has been so popular that it won the Song of the year the Skyz Metro Music Awards, hence why Madlela wants to celebrate with the people whom he feels have played a large role in his music career.
Looking forward, Madlela Skhobokhobo, who for the greater part of the year has been in Zimbabwe from his South Africa base, said it was high time he establishes a firm fan base in the country.
“I’ve been in South Africa for so long and I’ve got recognition from people in that country, but home is best. It’s high time we make the music that people love here and get recognised by them,” he said.