Oriyano faces backlash over 'shaky' live shows

Musician and dancer Oriyano, best known for his hits Ndakuda and Makarima Mupoto, is currently under fire following a series of poorly received live performances. The backlash came after shows at the Castle Tankard in Borrowdale and a recent gig in Marondera, where he opened for dancehall star Winky D.

Once celebrated for his captivating stage presence, including standout performances at events like the National Arts Merit Awards, Oriyano's recent concerts have drawn criticism that threatens to overshadow his earlier acclaim. Videos taken by audience members quickly went viral, revealing moments where his live vocals faltered.

One widely shared clip showed Oriyano struggling to hit a high note, which was looped repeatedly on social media accompanied by sarcastic comments and crying emojis. Another video captured a visibly out-of-sync moment between Oriyano and his live band, sparking memes that spread quickly across platforms.

Social media users were quick to express disappointment. "The band sounds off-key, is this really the Oriyano we know from the studio?" questioned one viewer. Another bluntly stated, "He sounds nothing like his recordings."

Fans who previously compared Oriyano's vocal style to superstar Jah Prayzah have started to question the validity of those comparisons. "Turns out the JP comparisons were just a marketing gimmick," one user remarked. "This live performance shows he's got a long way to go."

The presence of a live band also became a point of contention, with many suggesting Oriyano should ditch live instrumentation for backing tracks. A tweet that gained traction read, "Ngaasiye live band aridze maback track otherwise career iri pama1," loosely meaning, "He should ditch the live band and use backing tracks or his career is in trouble."

Despite the flood of criticism, some fans have defended Oriyano, acknowledging the difficulties of live performances and possible technical issues. "Give him a break! Live shows are tough, and sometimes the sound quality isn't great," one supporter posted.

In the face of mounting backlash, Oriyano took to Facebook, seemingly addressing his critics with a message of resilience. His recent post simply read: "Tichagona chete," which translates to "We will succeed," signaling his determination to improve with time and experience.

As Oriyano navigates this challenging period, many await to see if he can regain his earlier form and restore his reputation on the live stage.