The Sunday Mail
IN May this year, Jah Prayzah set a new record in showbiz when he launched his chart-busting album “Jerusarema” at a packed Harare International Conference Centre.
Soon afterwards, the “Tiise Maoko” hit-maker announced a nationwide tour, “as soon as I have quenched Hararians’ appetite for my music”.
After several gigs which came thick and fast, sometimes four per week, Jah Prayzah left the capital.
His tour, which was sometimes interrupted by corporate functions and midweeks shows as he tried to satisfy his demanding Harare fans, saw him perform in Kadoma, Gweru, Bulawayo, Beitbridge, Mutare, Masvingo, Bindura, Marondera, Chinhoyi, Hwange and Victoria Falls, to name just a few. Some were giant auditoriums, the biggest the towns and cities had to offer, while some were stadiums. Not once did he fail to fill up the venues. The entertainer’s appeal has grown so much that he was the only non-dancehall artiste at last month’s Busy Signal gig held at the Glamis Arena.
After emerging as one of the best acts of the night at the dancehall gig, Jah Prayzah also received praise from the visiting Jamaican, who described him as a “great entertainer”.
To cap it all, the artiste has decided to challenge the colossal Aquatic Complex in Chitungwiza, a venue that intimidates even the bravest and most loved performers.
The “Tsviriyo” singer shares the stage with Chitungwiza dancehall godfather, Dadza D, Conquering band frontman Soul Jah Love and “Mangerengere” singer Progress Chipfumo.
Will Jah Prayzah and his hand-picked supporting acts be enough to fill up the giant Aquatic Complex?
His manager Keen Mushapaidze, is unconcerned about the numbers.
“Look, the other year we challenged the HICC and did not do very well, but on our second attempt we hit the jackpot. We have gone on a nationwide tour that has seen us do stadium shows and we have filled them up.
“Aquatic is a big challenge but we are not intimidated. We will take it on and if we do not succeed to our satisfaction we will try again, that is how we operate,” said Mushapaidze.
