Harare — Poor management by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and Zimswag on logistics put a dent to what could have been a memorable show at the National Sports Stadium last Saturday.

The Akon and Sean Paul show, which was initially supposed to start at midday only got off nine hours late, when hundreds of early birds were already tired of waiting. When The Herald Entertainment arrived at the stadium at noon, the stage crew was still busy erecting the platform. On the other hand the stage crew were complaining of hunger.

"We have not eaten a single morsel since sunrise and Zimswag has not given us basic supplies like drinking water," said one of the stage crew members who spoke on condition of anonymity. The security at the stadium was poor such that planned Golden Circle and VIP stands, which had been demarcated with scaffolds and plastics were destroyed within minutes after the first group got on stage.

The destruction of the temporary structures heavily affected US$100-Golden Circle ticket holders, who found them, squashed with people who had pocket tickets for US$15.

A significant number of people complained of losing money, cellphones and even their drinks to thieves in the melee. Moments later, a few missiles were thrown towards the stage by some unruly characters that had found their way into the Golden Circle. It was, however, not immediately clear if there were people who were hurt in the chaos.

Zimswag director Prince Tendai has since apologised to fans for the logistical challenges. On the other hand, from the day Akon jetted in, the media had problems having access to the artiste and his crew. The scheduled Press conferences were often full with members of the public, giving little room for journalists to carry out their work effectively.

At the airport, just a few photographers were allowed into the VIP lounge for a few photo shoots and not a single reporter was allowed to talk to the stars. However, despite all that the visiting artistes were impressed with Zimbabwe.

Sean Paul said he would soon plan a social visit. In an interview before his departure from Harare International Airport, Sean Paul said Zimbabwe is a beautiful country and he will come back for an ordinary social visit. "From the time of landing I could see a good vibrant reaction that was overwhelming.

"It was a good thing partying out here with the beautiful people of Zimbabwe and doing what my hero Bob Marley did," said Sean Paul. He said he would love to do a song on the nation of Zimbabwe because of its beauty and the love shown to him by the people. "Actually we have been discussing it with Akon and other guys here a while ago. But anything is possible, I have done rock, R 'n' B, hip hop yet now I am a reggae artist so I am considering that," he said.