The Sunday Mail
Andrew Moyo —
Zimbabwe’s Warriors go into battle against Tanzania in an international soccer friendly match today. But there is another Zimbabwe-Tanzania match-up that is fast becoming the talk of not only the town, but the entire African continent.
When Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platinumz met Zimbabwe’s Jah Prayzah, the two artistes created magic with their song “Watora Mari”. A few months down the line, Jah Prayzah went on to scoop one of the most prestigious awards that many artistes on the continent can only dream of: the 2016 MTV Listener’s Choice Award. Before him, Diamond Platinumz had won the 2015 MTV Africa Music Awards Best Live Act Award.
So when you bring the two together in a studio or on a stage, expect magic. Their reunion on December 2 at the Harare International Conference Centre for the ‘‘Watora Mari’’ Concert is definitely something to look forward to.
If credentials alone are not enough of a draw-card, then consider the talent and proven track records of the artistes. Diamond has toured the world, sharing the stage with some of the biggest artistes around. Jah Prayzah is the poster boy of local music, and his MTV recognition shows he is spreading his wings.
Harareans are known to be choosy when it comes to their live music, but the Tanzanian should not be worried considering that many locals have become familiar with bongo music, thanks to international music video channels like MTV, Trace and Channel O among others.
Zimbabweans who might not have been familiar with Diamond’s music in the past have already been given a taste through his collaboration with Jah Prayzah. Jah Prayzah’s Third Generation Band is riding high on the multiple hit singles on his latest album, “Mdhara Vachauya”, which his fans have warmed up to.
While he might have had a few problems on stage a few weeks ago, it seems like the artiste is back to top form. The supporting acts at the ‘‘Watora Mari’’ Concert – Judgement Yard, Killer T, Stunner, Trevor D and XQ are huge in their own right, having established a firm footing in their different genres.
While Killer T has been having a bad day at the office in terms of stage performances, his management says he has been working on his act and will be out to prove his worth at the December 2 gig. Stunner, who has recently been in the limelight for the wrong reasons, might have found an avenue for redemption through this show, which also gives him the opportunity to dish out songs from his new album to a wider audience.
XQ has been on a comeback drive and his latest video, “Bhachura”, where he features Ammara Brown, has been received well. This gig will be a platform for him to let his fans know that he is still in the game. Judgement Yard needs no introduction when it comes to performing on this type of stage as they have become a permanent feature on almost every poster advertising international acts.
Speaking to The Sunday Mail Leisure, one of the organisers Dee Nosh said they had done their homework before deciding to bring Diamond Platinumz to Zimbabwe.
“If you have noticed during our previous shows, we don’t just bring international artistes just because they are from outside Zimbabwe but we have been bringing top acts,” said Dee Nosh.
“We are bringing this guy because his is one of the best on the continent and we believe that Zimbabweans also deserve to be entertained by the best out there.”
Dee Nosh said they were working flat out to ensure everything ran smoothly.
“We are going to make sure that everything runs like clockwork from the staging, sound, and security right up to the ticket sales. As 2 Kings Entertainment, we are striving to give merrymakers the best experience so that they get value for their money during our shows.”
Advance tickets are pegged at US$10 for general entry, VIP tickets are US$20 each while the VVIP section is going for US$40.
