The Sunday Mail
Mtandazo Dube
LUCKY fans who will buy tickets to Jah Prayzah’s album launch either in Harare or Bulawayo stand a chance to win big. Forget the two fridges and equal number of television sets to be won by any four of Jah Prayzah’s thousands of followers when he launches “Mdhara Vachauya” on August 12 and 13 – he has thrown in two cars. Jah Prayzah’s team, which had initially announced that they would be only four prizes to be one, two fridges and two television sets, exclusively made the revelation to this publication last week.
However, to enter the lottery, one has to buy a ticket – those who get complimentary entry tags are excluded from the draw.
“It will be a double delight for six people in Harare and Bulawayo as two fridges, two television sets and two cars (Toyota Vitz new shape) are set to be won on Friday August 12 and 13 respectively.
“This has been made possible by our partners Surface Wilmar who have come in, in a very big way. Their willingness to join us in making history on this launch is priceless to us and we hope this partnership will see them benefiting immensely as well from brand Jah Prayzah,” said Keen Mushapaidze, Jah Prayzah’s manager.
Surface Wilmar, specialises in the processing of a range of products, among them oil and rice. They have partnered Jah Prayzah through their Pure Drop cooking oil brand.
This Tuesday, tickets to Jah Prayzah’s launch in both Harare and Bulawayo will go on sale.
“We have tickets to the HICC (Harare International Conference Centre) and Bulawayo’s Large City Hall going on sale on July 12. It costs just US$10 for a general entry ticket and US$20 for VIP,” said Mushapaidze.
He added: “We have a combo ticket for those who want to attend both shows and also get transport, which is going for US$30, meaning that we are going to be seriously subsidising transport costs for all those who will be embarking on the road trip with us to Bulawayo using our hired buses.”
The Harare show features internationally travelled superstar Dr Oliver Mtukudzi, Sam Dondo, Willom Tight and his son Gary.
“If the cars, fridges and television sets that are up for grabs to anyone who buys a ticket to any of the launches does not entice someone, then the performance line-up should do the trick.
“This is not a gala where artistes perform two or three songs, this is a concert, which will be punctuated by exciting programmes all created around the new album to make the launch one of a kind,” said Mushapaidze.
The father and son combination of Willom and Gary Tight has over the past few months taken the music industry by storm as they have left fans clamouring for more, be it at public events or corporate functions. On the other hand, Sam Dondo continues to gain confidence on stage as his handlers are pulling all stops to ensure he rubs shoulders with the best in the industry while benefiting from established artistes’ massive crowds. The lanky artiste should make for a very good curtain raiser to Gary Tight on the night.
But the masterstroke for Jah Prayzah and his team was probably in roping in Mtukudzi, whose album hits the streets just two weeks shy of Jah Prayzah’s release.
Tuku as Mtukudzi is fondly referred to by his legion of fans, will no doubt add value to the event as his multitudes of fans will also come in their numbers to hear their idol perform new songs for the first time live on stage.
In Bulawayo, Jah Prayzah chose to partner Zim dancehall superstar Winky D, who is in the studio working on new material for a fresh project. While Winky D may appear to be quiet in terms of live shows in Harare, Bulawayo cannot get enough of him.
“These guys (Jah Prayzah and team) are clever. They have done their market research and they know that Bulawayo is in love with the Ninja President and so they are joining forces with him for the Bulawayo show.
“Go into any club in Bulawayo and Winky D’s music is on every DJ’s playlist, even his old compositions. However, I believe that is what someone who wants to give people value for money would do,” said Bulawayo club wheel spinner DJ Delroy.
A plethora of Bulawayo artistes, including Cal_Vin, are set to perform at the all night gig at the Large City Hall car park, in what is set to be one of Zimbabwe’s biggest ever album launch.
Advance tickets will be available at select Pick n Pay shops, TM, OK and Bon Marche, to name just a few.
Pure Drop is further running a promotion, giving away 100 VIP Tickets to lucky winners who buy the new Pure Drop bottle.
“Mdhara Vachauya” is Jah Prayzah’s seventh album.
His other releases are “Rudo Nerunyararo”, “Sungano Yerudo”, “Ngwarira Kuparara”, “Tsviriyo”, “Kumbumura Mhute” and “Jerusarema”.
