HARARE – Award-winning Zimdancehall artist Tocky Vibes (real name Obey Makamure) suffered an embarrassing setback on Friday night when only a handful of fans showed up for his much-publicised album launch at Alex Sports Club in Harare.
Tocky’s latest event turned into a disappointing spectacle as empty chairs and sparse crowds dominated the venue.

The show, meant to unveil his new album, had been billed as a star-studded affair featuring Feli Nandi, Killa T, Oriyano and several other popular acts. Tickets were pegged at US$10, but attendance fell far below expectations.

Observers attributed the poor turnout to low publicity, poor timing, and fan fatigue, while others suggested that Tocky’s musical relevance has waned compared to his breakout years.

Tocky Vibes rose to prominence in 2014 with chart-topping hits such as Mhai, Tiri Kumhanya, aenda nenyika, usakande mapfumo pasi and ndini ndinorira, which cemented his reputation as one of the most lyrically gifted and socially conscious voices in Zimdancehall. His poetic storytelling and clean lyrical content earned him several music awards and widespread respect from critics.

However, in recent years, Tocky has struggled to maintain his earlier dominance in a competitive industry now driven by younger stars such as Enzo Ishall, Nutty O, and Freeman. His shift towards Afro-fusion and gospel-infused sounds divided fans, with some accusing him of straying from his Zimdancehall roots.

The morning after the flop, social media buzzed with reactions as fans, bloggers, and socialites dissected the poor turnout, many dragging Tocky and his management for poor planning and lack of promotion. Others, however, came to his defense — urging the artist to stay strong, keep his head up, and continue creating music despite the setback.

In response, Tocky took to his Facebook page, posting an emotional message to his supporters.

“Usakande mapfumo pasi Mashangurapata,” he wrote, before adding,
“Zvakangooma kuti kana vamwe vako vanoombera maoko pamwechete nevavengi vako muzuva rekunyadziswa kwako — haa Mashangurapata shuwa.”

The post, which loosely translates to “Don’t give up; it’s painful when even your friends clap along with your enemies on the day of your embarrassment,”

Though the night was disappointing, many still hailed Tocky as one of Zimbabwe’s most gifted and enduring artists.