The Sunday Mail
PROMINENT promoter Josh Hozheri has declared that he plans to push local artistes to international levels in terms of remuneration.
Hozheri, who is also known as Big Josh, feels that it is time for local artistes who have the capacity to pull crowds equal to those commanded by their international counterparts to receive similar payment.
“I’m working towards improving local artistes’ value, brands and the numbers they attract for gigs. Thus, I have totally dedicated myself to brand Zimbabwe this year and possibly for the greater part of next year. Why should we give foreigners huge chunks of money and not do the same for our local stars?” said Hozheri.
The outspoken promoter who is among the few that have kept faith in the embattled sungura genre said he will be giving every top artiste from across the country’s genres a chance to prove their mettle on the grand stage.
Accordingly, on October 20 this week, he will be giving the current top crowd puller, Jah Prayzah real name Mukudzei Mukombe, a chance to prove his worth at the giant Aquatic Complex in a show dubbed “Chitown Gig of the Year”.
Only a handful of artistes among them the gospel first family of Baba naMai Charamba, sungura king Alick Macheso and Dr Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi have managed to fill the venue to capacity in the past.
Jah Prayzah and dendera crooner Suluman “Sulu” Chimbetu registered 2 800 fans at the swimming complex at the height of the “Batai Munhu Concerts”.
But events have turned for the worst. Some of the top acts (Macheso included) now struggle to surpass or even match their previous set crowd records at the venue.
In fact, Macheso’s last show at the complex in August this year did not produce desired results despite the fact that he shared the stage with artistes from Botswana and a host of other sungura artistes. The crowd of artistes managed to attract only a handful of revellers.
Conversely, Jah Prayzah on the same night of the aforesaid Aquatic Complex flop attracted thousands of fans during the annual Pork Festival show that was held at Pamuzinda Ice and Fire.
Hozheri believes local artistes have been their own enemies by taking fans for granted.
He notes that artistes do not have due care and consideration in coming up with playlists for shows. Moreover, he argues that they do not put emphasis on coming up with exhilarating stage acts.
“I’m trying out new blood, especially those that we have nurtured. With proper support through fair remuneration, the artistes can grow big, in the process broadening options for promoters.
“Over reliance on Macheso, Tuku or foreign artistes to fill-up big venues is bad and that mentality should be a thing of the past. At the same time local artistes should work towards presenting a total package for their fans,” explained Hozheri.
The revered promoter believes Friday’s gig in Chitungwiza will attract multitudes of music lovers.
“Friday’s gig will help me assess if Jah Prayzah’s brand is growing. He has been doing well in clubs but it is on such occasions that we can tell if his act has gone up another notch. Another one of these tests will take place on December 12 at Pamuzinda. But this time around it will be Jah Prayzah alongside Sulu.”
For the Chitungwiza gig, the “Tsviriyo” hit-maker will be supported by Zim dancehall artistes Soul Jah Love and Dadza D.
Forgotten but talented artiste Progress Chipfumo, who is shoving for a comeback, is also expected to give a different direction to the gig. Hozheri’s concept has since been endorsed by Jive Zimbabwe director Benjamin Nyandoro.
“Celebrating our local artistes is the way to go. It might take long for people to appreciate the talent we have but I feel it is the duty of promoters, never mind the costs, to make sure they appreciate the concept,” he said.
Nyandoro is the brains behind the inaugural “Celebrate Local Concert” which was however poorly attended. Meanwhile, organisers of the “Chitown Gig of the Year” have confirmed that lucky revellers will get free braai packs courtesy of the Swine Company.
