The much-anticipated Winky D DiBigman event held on December 21, 2024, in Birmingham promised a night of electrifying entertainment, and it delivered—though not without a few areas for improvement. The evening kicked off smoothly, with organized entry lines for VIP and general attendees, efficient security, and ample bars spread across two floors. The DJs set the tone with stellar performances, energizing the crowd before Quonfuzed and the Gaffa himself, Winky D, took center stage.

While the crowd was only about 70% capacity, the energy was palpable as fans lit up the floor with phone lights, capturing the legendary artist’s set that ran from 1:36 AM to 3:33 AM. Yet, beyond the music, this event underscored the recurring challenges faced by Zimbabwean music events in the diaspora.

From long bar queues and a lack of female representation among artists and DJs to the absence of innovative stage performances, the event highlighted areas that need urgent attention to keep the music scene fresh and inclusive. Despite these criticisms, the night served as a fitting year-end celebration, driven by Winky D’s unmatched artistry and the dedication of fans and promoters alike.

This review by Mr Smooth calls on event organizers to embrace diversity, elevate stage experiences, and prioritize fan engagement to ensure Zimbabwean music events reach their full potential on the global stage. As Mr. Smooth aptly puts it, “We need more inclusivity, creativity, and innovation to truly honor the rich tapestry of Zimbabwean talent.”

FULL TEXT: REVIEW OF THE Winky D DiBigman event Birmingham 21/12/24- LIVE REVIEW 23/12/24 7 pm UK TIME
The event was advertised for 10 PM and doors opened at 10 and all sailed well with security control very good 2 queues one for VIP and the other one normal . The VIP had 2 bars and the downstairs had 3 –

DJ was on point on his time and came MC @janief who was on point and replaced by @mc Taliban. There was also if correct about 2 or more DJs . These DJs were on set for set swapping till about or just after 12 am when Qounfuzed came open up and he did his stint followed by another MC dj compo –

0136 enter the Gaffa and he woed the crowd song after song till 0333 he left .
Generally I can say there was a good crowd but wasn’t full maybe 70% full . You can just imagine the Gaffa has his fans as the downstairs floor was full of phone lights for photos.

The turnout was better and generally a good event mixed ages . A good event to close the year-
Good job for promoters advertising more on tick tok “”and instagram. Also good to know and notice the promoters were good following the timeline as much as they can and was good see a few of them on the floor-

On vendor for food Heart of Africa and they had food stalls both floors and food – quality and hygiene and customer service is flawless these would recommend if you see them and a variety of different dishes .

MR SMOOTH REVIEW
1-Venue was generally clean but toilets and general inside is poor and some lighting was out.
2-service at the bar was taking north of 30 minutes waiting as there was only 3 staff on each bar and very busy.
3-The flier was not fully informative on who was performing and no timeline on Artists performance-
4-Once again no FEMALE line up on artists-DJs and MCs
5-no upcoming or local talent involved-
6-Winky D is an incredible artist but the event lacked stage excitement and surprise could say compare to the recent Chris Brown was full of innovation- dancing and captivating on fans both on the event or watching-
7- lack of meet and greet with fans and seems.an appear disappear act always-Fans needs shown some love back once in a while.

MR SMOOTH RECONMENDATIONS
1-advertising has to be done on all platforms and time promoters start coming on the front or someone who can continuously give updates as fans lack information LIVE NOT POSTS !
2- on stage -a stage performance manager has to be approved for each event different artist to make it interesting
3-Everyone working for an event should do a live engagement with fans so we know you coming this includes artists and am comparing to Chris Brown also 50 cent and Mary J. Bligewho are coming June next year but personally promote all platforms themselves –

My review is that we are regressing and happy fill up our events with Zimbabweans majority one area- I have hardly seen any Ndebele people on our events and the only white Artist I seen is Gemma Griffiths despite that there are loads in ZIM.

The recycling of same artists is becoming monotonous- abhorrent and boring –
WE NEED MORE FEMALES AND MORE DIVERSITY ON MCS DJS AS most washed out no diversity and hogging everything not giving any other upcoming a chance to progress aso the people you say are the big guys actually killing our music industry-

On the other hand despite Mr Smooth supporting all events and real constructive criticism- I WON AN AWARD FOR BEING A MENTAL HEALTH CHAMPION thanks to Zuwa Re. NONE OF THESE PROMOTERS AND THE CREW OF DJS AND MCS CONGRATULATED ME MAYBE JEALOUS OR INNA CULT OF LOYALTY TO HONESTY AND COWBOY PACT –

All I know is my quest for improvement is there and am glad to say some of the promoters now respect what I do yet no credit yet but will not stop but will keep rising-

On Events – Promoters need to have managers or consultants who advise them as they take everything on their own hence a lot of mistakes/

Stall food prices on events are extortionate passed to fans due to promoters charging over £150O for a table so vendors will need recourse their money . An onboard review needs done and capped.

THANK YOU TO ALL THE FANS WHO CAME TO ATTEND GOD BLESS YOU .

I know am loved and hated but with my experience on events would welcome any promoter or subordinates come do a live with me or can come to their page talk constructively how we need improvement-

Too many events piled on same dates upcoming and no surprise same line up DJs and MCs ALL MALE and ARTISTS line up all MALE –

WHERE IZ OUR FEMALE ARTISTS????Yebolady Ipapo SisonkeNtsu MachokotoZimfest LiveLadyzim PageStatus 100 PromotionsChichi MadodaShe Millionaire Ladies Business ExpoIcmf ZimbabweTamy MoyoWinkyD Gaffa FansZimlinkupZimCanada realitiesBusi MhlangaPelagia MutakeChihera Nisha MusaThemba The Honourable Tanyah TsotsiClara and Kate musicTholakele Ruteno NgcoboOur Care Home – Gain Healthcare Vatete YeuBrian Marlon KaswaSheila Bvuurr-GaynorearGROUND AFRICATilder Live ZimZimEyeEzra Tshisa SibandaLatria BluesDJ MelDJ Sanchez africaEmpres TrishaKikky BadassShashlChipaz PromotionsFeli Nandi ChipendoTapiwanache ChdukaAll Zimbabweans in UKKiller T