Tocky Vibes' album launch falls flat

Zimdancehall artiste Tocky Vibes' much-anticipated album launch, "Mashangurapata," at Alexandra Sports Club on Saturday fell flat as the event struggled to draw an audience despite a strong line-up and professional stage set-up.

Once a dominant force in the local music scene, Tocky had hoped the 30-track project would reaffirm his creative relevance. Instead, the launch was marred by low attendance, with the empty grounds telling a tale of disappointment for an artiste who previously pulled thousands.

The event featured heavyweight performers including Killer T, Seh Calaz, Feli Nandi, Tamy Moyo, Andy Muridzo, Kurai Makore and Silent Killer. Yet, even with such star power, the venue failed to fill up. Industry players were quick to brand the night one of the most underwhelming launches of the year.

Observers have pointed to poor marketing, weak youth engagement and unfortunate timing - the event clashed with the Jacaranda Music Festival and the Chibuku Road to Fame finals, which attracted large crowds elsewhere.

Despite the poor turnout, Tocky Vibes impressed his peers with a polished production. Baba Harare later encouraged him on social media, reminding him that all artistes face off days: *"Don't worry Tocky Vibes, inini ndakamboimbira vanhu two, muridzi webhawa na waiter… Long live Chamakuvangu."*

Tocky himself posted a motivational note the following day, urging perseverance: *"Usakande Mapfumo pasi Mashangurapata."*

Meanwhile, on the eve of Tocky's ill-fated launch, Baba Harare staged a powerful comeback at Jongwe Corner with his five-track project *Greater and Wiser.* His return to Jiti after a brief gospel stint was met with excitement, with songs like *9 Months* and *Couple of the Year* surpassing 100,000 YouTube views within 24 hours.

Fans had flocked to the launch to confirm his musical direction, and left convinced that Baba Harare had indeed reclaimed his Jiti throne. With performances from Feli Nandi, Obert Chari, Prince Chingwida and others, the event drew a sizeable crowd and ended on a high note.

The contrasting outcomes of the two launches have sparked debate about strategy, timing and audience connection in Zimbabwe's fast-changing music industry. For Tocky, the poor turnout may serve as a reality check, while for Baba Harare, it marked a triumphant return to form.