Mzuzu faces venue crisis as two venues close
Limited availability of venues in Mzuzu has hit a new low as two of the city’s reliable professional performing spaces have been closed down for live performances.
Key Lounge, the most convenient space for night shows, is no longer usable. The owner of the structure, Trooper Thindwa, is adding shops to the space that used to be a dance-floor. And the performing stage has been turned into a bar.
On the other hand, the Mzuzu University (Mzuni) Main Hall has been turned into an interim library following the burning down of the university’s library end last year. The university needs at least K3.8 billion to erect a new library if the hall is to be redeemed.
This has raised concern among fun-seekers, Mzuni students and event organisers as this puts into suspension crowd pulling night shows in the city.
Thindwa said the economic situation is no longer conducive for live shows at his place.
“It’s a shame really. But shows were not making money. As a businessman I had to make that tough decision. Long term wise, the shops will make more financial sense,” he said.
Top City Entertainment director Augustine Chilunga said the closure of the venues is a big blow to event organisers in the city.
“It is a big blow to us as event organisers since the venue we rely on for night shows was Key Lounge. As for now, we don’t have any other venue that is affordable because Mzuni Hall is also not usable,” he said.
