THE now controversial dancehall artiste Obey Makamure, professionally known as ‘Tocky Vibes’ is missing on the line-up of local artistes performing at the Mafikizolo–Zahara show scheduled for next month at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC).
Not that it is mandatory for Tocky Vibes to perform at the concert, but it seems the young lad is receiving a ‘backlash’ for his ‘deficiency’ in professionalism.
Organisers of the show, Simmad Entertainment recently revealed that they dropped Tocky Vibes from the concert due to his lack of professionalism.
It seems the lousy and below par act displayed by the 21-year-old, Rugare-bred chanter at the Harare Lock Down Concert last year which featured South African popular group, Mafikizolo, Oliver Mtukudzi and Alexio Kawara is coming back to haunt him.
The popular chanter displayed an attitude that disappointed not only show organisers, but a legion of his fans.
Promoter Simba Madziwa of Simmad Entertainment has since said he will only engage Tocky Vibes if he apologises for the poor performance.
Given a chance to shine, the ‘Mhai’ Zim-dancehall crooner was found wanting which resulted in fans pelting him with missiles.
Dancehall artistes while being among the most popular artistes in the country have, some of them, behaved in ways that have not aided their careers.
Lack of professionalism has been the major problem.
During the Lock Down show, Tocky Vibes not only delivered a lousy act, but was involved in scuffles with fellow artistes that included the multi award winner Jah Prayzah.
However, speaking on behalf of Tocky Vibes, his manager, Elvis Bokosha, said Tocky Vibes had no reason to apologise because he did not do anything wrong to Simmad Entertainment.
He attributed the poor performance to ‘sabotage’.
“On that day Tocky Vibes came well prepared and had lots of energy to perform, but we still do not know who sabotaged him because the sound system was very bad and even Simmad Entertainment tried to sort it out but failed, so Tocky Vibes had no option, but to walk away,” Bokosha said.
The organisers, he said, were aware that there were problems with the sound system but they chose not to act and rectify the situation.
Bokosha dismissed claims that Tocky had problems with Jah Prayzah who will also feature at the forthcoming Mafikizolo-Zahara concert.
“The only misunderstanding between Tocky Vibes and Jah Prayzah was his sudden appearance on stage, but it does not mean that the two do not have good relations,” he said.
“Jah Prayzah and Tocky Vibes have a good relationship such that if he wants anything from us, we provide it and he does the same for us too.
“We are excited working with him in the endorsement deal with local cigarette manufacturer Savanna Tobacco.”
Tocky Vibes is one of the few dancehall artistes with a solid message in his music.
His compositions not only highlight the plight of the less fortunate, but are a source of inspiration for every one trying to make it in life.
Some are, however, of the opinion that the instant fame has intoxicated the artiste to levels that he now takes his fans for granted.
They argue that he hasn’t learnt how to handle fame as yet as was reflected when the young musician refused to curtain raise for superstar Oliver Mtukudzi at the Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex last year.
After disappointing at the Mafikizolo show, Tocky Vibes went on to anger fans when he did not show up at a Book Café show where he was scheduled to perform.
His manager, however, said these developments arose out of misunderstandings and in no way reflect the character or attitude of the talented chanter.
He said Tocky Vibes was actually working on a new album and new videos.
“Tocky Vibes will continue to deliver to the best of his ability at local and international shows,” said Bokosha.