By Tatenda Gapa

THERE is a great entertainment line-up this weekend, especially in Harare.
In fact, someone on social media suggested that in terms of household lounges, all houses will be deserted and there will be no fights over the remote.
Another one suggested that one of the promoters is going to lose serious money ashaya vanhu because of the overwhelming entertainment fixtures.
From the USA, ‘old horses’ Tony Braxton and Kenneth Brian Edmonds aka Babyface will perform at Borrowdale Racecourse on Saturday night.
David Adedeji Adeleke from Nigeria, popularly known as Davido, will also be at Belgravia Sports Club.
Not to be outdone the same Saturday are our local dancehall artistes who will battle it out in the Zim-dancehall Cup Clash at the City Sports Centre and there will also be the Summer Festival at Water World in Eastlea.
The Harare Agricultural Show will also provide entertainment, while on the gospel side, Emmanuel Makandiwa’s Judgment Night III and the AFM Anniversary Conference are expected to be powerful.
However, pertaining to international artistes Davido, Toni Braxton and Babyface, it is important for them to know that they must rock or they will be ‘rocked’.
That is just how revellers in the country are.
Local revellers are a demanding lot.
While they do not hesitate to spend their hard-earned cash, they demand, always, value for money.
They totally hate being taken for granted.
And when they show up and cough up they demand nothing short of a five-star performance.
Thus Toni Braxton, Babyface and Davido, you will meet and be welcomed with great love that will blow you away, because this is typical Zimbabwean culture; we treat our visitors very well.
But many artistes have faltered after receiving much hype.
International artistes might benefit from the knowledge that local artistes are very much appreciated in the country and that the international tag is not a free pass.
Zimbabweans will determine during your performance whether you deserve it or not.
Local artistes have not only given international artistes a good run for their money, but have in many instances outclassed them.
For example, Jamaican artiste, Popcaan, was reduced to a curtain-raiser by local dancehall guru Winky D in January 2013.
Artistes that include Sean Kingston, Bric n Lace, D’Banji, Flavour and Bebe Cool almost wept after failing to impress.
The highly rated Sean Kingston, the US-based Jamaican singer who was meant to conquer Zimbabwe flopped to levels that his act was described as the worst ever by an international artiste.
The ‘Beautiful Girls’ hit-maker disappointed fans that some demanded their money back and swore never to attend his shows if ever he returned.
His attitude towards fans who tried to welcome him did not do him any good either.
It’s important to note that local revellers are not impressed by a résumé, but actual delivery.
History of past great performances just does not do it and unsavoury acts on stage do not really fly with Zimbabweans.
Thus Davido, Toni Braxton and Babyface, you have your work nicely cut out for you.
It’s not all doom and gloom.
Artistes like Luciano, Beenie Man, Zahara, Mafikizolo have delivered great acts that have endeared these performers to locals.
In 1980 the late reggae legend, Robert Nester Marley aka Bob Marley, performed during independence celebrations. And his performance is still talked about and described as a memorable concert 35 years later.
The country has hosted many reputable artistes that include UB40 in 1984 who performed for more than 3 000 fans, Brenda Fassie in 1985 attracted over 7 000 revellers and Gregory Isaacs in 1988 delivered to an estimated 40 000 strong crowd.
In the 90s when Rhumba and Kwasa-kwasa ruled the roost, the country hosted the likes of Kanda Bongoman, Pepe Kalle, Kofi Olomide, Yondo Sister, General Defao, Loketo and Werrason.
Even the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson, jetted into the country in 1998, although it was a non-performing visit it shows how the country has always attracted and never been short of the best.
Thus Toni Braxton and crew remember to respect your fans, give them your best and you will have a great outing in this marvellous country that has once again defied all odds to win the much coveted African Rising Star Country Branding Award despite efforts by the West and its allies (USA included) to tarnish the country’s image and peaceful reputation.
Enjoy the wonders of Zimbabwe that are unmatched.