There was chaos at the Jah Prayzah show in Johannesburg last night after hundreds of fans had been refused entry because they didn’t have tickets which were only available via an online platform, Webtickets, and which sold out before the show started.
Resultantly, hundreds of fans turned up hoping to buy tickets at the door but were told that this was not possible. Irate fans demanded to be let in and started surging forward. Some who had tickets found it difficult to get in due to the commotion, adding to the tension of the crowd.
Meanwhile, inside, the show was running late and about 2,000 fans were growing impatient.
The show took place at the famous Bassline in Newton, Johannesburg where other Zimbabwean musicians like Oliver Mtukudzi, Victor Kunonga, Chiwoniso and Mic Inity have performed.
The crowd outside managed to break in and a stampede into the venue ensued. Security personnel sprayed them with fire extinguishers to stop the chaos. Scores piled into the venue without paying before the situation came under control, with many fans still stuck outside.
One fan who was at the show told Zimbo Jam, “No one was telling us addressing the crowd so that angered us and the crowd forced open metal doors.”
She said when the security guards sprayed the extinguishers on them some tried to run away and got injured in the process.
“I was sprayed right in the eyes, cause I was in front. I just kneeled down waiting for help cause I couldn’t see. I fell and hurt my leg.”
Later when the show started, Nox was first on stage. He performed four songs before the chants for Jah Prayzah forced him off. Paddy Watts was next, but got shocked when cans started flying on stage and he too had to make a hasty exit. It was now after 11pm.
Mabla came on after him. The crowd settled down for a bit but got impatient with him and he too got a baptism of cans and flying beer.
Then Jah Prayzah’s band came on and did a sound check while his dancers did some warm up moves. But the crowd had waited enough. “Ti’kuda Jah! Ti’kuda Mudhara! (We want Jah! We want Mudhara!)
Then the unthinkable happened. They too got cans flying their way. As they dodged the flying aluminium, Jah came running onto the stage and wild cheers erupted.
The venue was packed beyond recommended capacity.
Jah brought it on. He gave a whammer of a performance and soon everyone seemed to forget the earlier chaos as they melted into euphoric Prayzah pleasure.
The show ended just before 2am and before he left the stage, Jah apologised for the chaos that had taken place earlier and promised to get bigger venue next time.
Today Jah Prayzah heads to Cape Town where he will perform at the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concert. Opening for him will be Zimbabwean vocal and piano sensation, Gemma Griffiths.
Below is video from part of Jah Prayzah’s show
