‘Prized’ lesson for Magacha
IT is normal and expected to be ambitious.
However, one should not be ‘too aspiring’ in the process. Ambition can be good at times but also bad at other times.
Gospel musician Sebastian Magacha probably now understands this more than anyone else.
This follows a rude awakening the singer got when he launched his album “I am Favoured” at Harare International Conference Centre (HICC).
The event was also part of celebrations for his 20 years in the music industry.
Magacha’s ambitious project dubbed “Fill-Up HICC” dismally flopped. Clearly, the singer overestimated his influence.
Not even the inclusion of brands like Jah Prayzah, Zimpraise, Mathias Mhere, Mambo Dhuterere and Dorcas Moyo could save the “Ridza Bhosvo” singer from a nightmarish outing.
Prior to the launch, Magacha sold his fans a dummy after he lied the VIP tickets were sold out.
“Results on the day of the event proved others.
There were more empty seats than fans in attendance.
Magacha is to blame for the album launch predicament as he punched above his weight.
The crowd that graced HICC could have made a difference for him had he chosen a smaller venue like 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale.
Without doubt, HICC proved to be way too big for the singer or is it that he was too small for the venue.
However, it is said every dark cloud has a silver lining.
The award-winning musician is considering the launch a valuable life lesson.
“I cannot complain about the outcome of this launch as there are positives. For instance, our album sold well. Shows do flop and it is normal.
“The major objective here was to launch the album and get it to our fans,” said Magacha.
The event was graced by businesspeople and socialites among them Chamu Chiwanza, Ginimbi Lite, Joseph Madziyire, Thomas Chizhanje, Honourable Marowa and Hollywood Lee and her gang.
Star FM presenter Owen “Olla 7” Madondo was the master of ceremony and handled affairs well throughout the event.
His antics helped attract several buyers for the album during the launch.
Ginimbi Lite, real name Brian Goshomi, who is a socialite and a street hustler, bought the disc for US$500.
Musician-cum-socialite Mudiwa Hood threw some US dollar notes to some of the lucky fans that attended the event.
Magacha claims to have made over US$10 000 from the launch despite the poor attendance.
“The album is titled ‘I am Favoured’ and I feel I am favoured because of things happening in my life. People want this album and I coming through to buy,” said Magacha
He added:
“I’m a veteran in this industry with over 20 years of experience. I have held several shows some of which have flopped and some succeeded.
“Life still has to go on.”
The musician also said it was unfair to compare musicians as they all have different strengths, weaknesses and focus.