Online Reporter
Robson Sharuko
Editor
IN many African countries, they would have been going crazy, following every dance move and even dancing with the crowd, from a distance, as they celebrate the presence of one of their own stars on such a landmark musical tour.
They would have been dominating the social media platforms, bragging that they are a special group of people, who have this mighty blessing which helps them to keep producing gems − be it in music or sporting disciplines like football.
They would have been bombarding social media with bragging tales of how the first African footballer to play in the English Premiership, and the first footballer from this continent to score a hat-trick at Anfield, was one of their own.
And, throughout the week, they would have been inundating the social media landscape with messages bragging that one of their musicians is part of Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour, which has been rocking India, since Saturday.
It’s not every day that African artists get the golden chance to be part of the supporting acts for super groups like Coldplay, who are considered the biggest band in the world today.
The four-member British super group has sold over 100 million albums worldwide, making them one of the best-selling musical acts of all-time.
Chris Martin and his band are the first group in Spotify history to reach 90 million month listeners.
Somehow, local hip-hop star Shone found a way to be selected as one of Coldplay’s supporting acts for the Music of the Spheres World Tour.
And, he has been doing very well.
Last year, Coldplay announced that Shone, Nigerian star Ayra Starr, Palestinian and Chilean star Elyynna, Indian star Jasleen Royal, Hong Kong star Marf, South Korean group Twice and American singer Willow will be their supporting acts on this tour.
Willow is an American singer and is the daughter of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith.
In other countries, Shone’s mere presence on this tour would have been enough for his countrymen and women to go crazy in celebrating his illustrious company.
But, here in Zimbabwe, one gets the impression that Shone’s presence on this landmark tour is not getting the respect, and support, which it deserves.
After Shone completed his set in his third performance in Mumbai on Tuesday, he decided to thank the Lord for helping him reach this grand stage.
“All I can say is God is great,” Shone posted on his social media platforms.
“And, His time is the best.”
One would have expected that such a post, on Facebook by a star who is rubbing shoulders with global music icons, would set social media on fire in this country.
But, 12 hours after the post, it had generated only 57 likes and just 13 comments.
When he posted earlier that his second show in Mumbai was a beautiful experience, complete with photographs to show that the crowd really liked his performances, it generated only 432 likes and just 30 comments.
Hatiperi Wacho tried to rally people behind Shone and posted on Facebook:
“I believe we’re all fans of this remarkable young man by now. He’s done an incredible job representing our country, and we couldn’t be prouder.
“Kana usingarwadziwe na Shone, siya like.”
He posted at 7.31am on Tuesday.
By 4pm yesterday, the post had generated only 769 likes and just 37 comments.
But, that is even better compared to some of the comments online.
Alvinn Muchenje, for instance, posted this on Facebook:
“Remember varungu vanonakirwa nezvisina basa, kuno hati tonarete nonsense idzi.”
He received support from MrAmolahpro, who replied to his post by saying, “Alvinn Muchenje taura hako.”
It touched Shone, who could not resist but reply in quite a diplomatic way, telling Muchenje, “thank you so much my brother.”
Then, Roy Smokie questioned why the fans where dancing to Shone’s music.
“Is it normal here izvi…hapana kana one anonzwa shona apa…chero isusu hatitozive masongs ake 3 chaiwo…l think management yake irikushandisa mari kuti aridze ikoko coz chero muno muZim hatitoenda kumashows ake uyu…better kunzwa madedido.”
Bodyslam Marshy appeared to suggest that impressing crowds in foreign lands, like India, was easier than those at home.
“Makambozvionawo here kuti stage perfomance yemuZim iri so hard than kunana India? Coz Shone murikutoona kuti arikujambisa vanhu.”
AfricanBoy Silenttrigger’s reply was brutal.
“Chinoita kut ujambise vanhu haisi nyaya yekugona stereki inyaya yekuva nema sponsors chero usingagone unopedzisira wakungoita seunogona.
“Ukaterera mamwe ma songs anoramba achingoridzwa pa radio anobhowa zvisingaite but anoridzwa every day for 30 days why? Because anenge ane arikuma sponsor.
“The dude akangowanawo lucky rekupinzwawo panoridza ma big artist outside otherwise ega he can’t gather such event. Kana akapenga ngauye kuZimbabwe aite show ari 1 uwone.”
At least, others have been complimentary:
“Nyika yese iri kufara mukoma keep raising our flag higher…..Mwari waShone,” said Sweaccy Sweaccy.
Chris&Flocy said:
“Absolutely amazing! I’ve been following his journey and he’s truly an inspiration to us all! His dedication and passion are qualities we should all strive for.”
