…As Chipaz Promotions makes a come back to Mutare

Ngoni Dapira

THE dreadlocked, lanky multi-award winning versatile musician Mukudzeyi Mukombe, popularly known as Jah Prayzah will be performing at his first concert at Manicaland Motoring Club tomorrow (Saturday). This is anticipated to be the Summerfest show of the year in Mutare due to its star-studded acts billed to perform.

The event starts at 6pm till late.

The stylish Jah Prayzah

Jah Prayzah is currently riding high with his latest productions ‘Furuwa’ and ‘Ticheneke’ that have sent tongues wagging to certify him a perennial hitmaker with a midas touch of producing songs that always go platinum. He will share the stage with the rising choral music star Mambo Dhuterere and the stylish Zimdancehall sensation Freeman also known as the HKD Boss, as well as popular dancehall chanter and emcee Godfatha Templeman amongst others. There will also be an interesting line up of popular local artistes like the fast rising Afro -jazz songstress Rutendo Jackie, Caff and the Assegai Crew band to mention a few, and many local disc jockeys to add to the nights fiesta.

The top biller show is marking the return to the eastern border city of top Harare music promoter Patson Chimbodza of Chipaz Promotions who will be hosting the show in conjunction with local entertainment promoter Clyde Jani of CJ Motors. Chimbodza in an interview with Easterntimeszim Entertainment yesterday (Thursday) confirmed that all is in place for the show. Chimbodza who was the first music promoter to win a National Arts Merit Award (NAMA) and has a career in the entertainment business spanning since 2004 said Mutare should anticipate an electrifying show that will be a first of its kind.

Patson ‘Chipaz’ Chimbodza

“All the artistes billed to perform have confirmed except Rutendo Jackie, but I can confirm the show is definitely on and it will be fireworks for Manicaland people. Advance tickets will start selling on Friday (today) from 2pm at Manicaland Motoring Club to avoid congestion at the gate tomorrow,” said Chipaz, as he is affectionately known.

Chipaz who has in the past held several shows at various entertainment venues in the eastern border city with many high-profile artistes including the late Tongai ‘Dhewa’ Moyo and the late superstar Oliver ‘Tuku’ Mtukudzi said this will be his first show in Mutare this year, marking his return after a long hiatus, mostly due to the global covid-19 pandemic lockdown regulations that started in March 2020.

“I am excited about this new venue test and coming back to host top biller shows in Mutare. Security is our pudding and we are geared up to ensure all will be in order for everyone. We will have standard tickets going for $10 and VIP tickets for $20. Gochi gochi (braaing), full bar and catering will be there, so revellers should come braced for a great night,” he said.

Manicaland Motoring Club is fast becoming the preferred home for live shows in Mutare, especially top biller shows. This is mostly due to its proximity to the city centre and spacious venue favoured by upmarket revellers that do not like being crowded.

Vonesi Masanganise

The club chairperson Vonesi Masanganise said after successfully hosting the show that headlined the seasoned urban grooves crooner EXQ last Saturday, they will improve on glitches faced concerning security and lighting to ensure Manicaland has more suitable options for entertainment venues, to be able to even host international concerts.

“As Motoring Club our aim is to bring recreation to our community through motor events complimented by musical shows. We have created an environment that suites family entertainment and we appreciate the support we are getting from promoters who are bringing top class artistes from Harare and promoting our local artistes as well. Some of our challenges are on security of the venue and parking space, but we are working round the clock to try to resolve this,” said Masanganise.