The Sunday Mail
Jah Prayzah
They appear in adverts together and will make all sorts of claims in public to justify their ‘cordial’ relationship, but there is no denying that there is serious tension between Mukudzei “Jah Prayzah” Mukombe and Suluman “Sulu” Chimbetu.
Unlike yesteryear artistes who openly clashed, sprinkling salt on stage after the other’s performance, refusing to share instruments, etcetera, this is a different kind of war.
It is not even the same as the Tongai Moyo/Alick Macheso wars. The aforementioned giants would exchange words in songs, jab each other in interviews with journalists and hardly come face-to-face.
But not Jah Prayzah and Sulu, they would rather pretend. Both Jah Prayzah and Sulu’s camps have denied the rumours of the tension, with Sulu being the most vocal one issuing statements in newspapers as well as in radio interviews.
Only on Wednesday last week, Sulu fended off the war rumours in an interview with Kanyemba “KB” Bonzo of National FM, saying they often visit each other at their respective homes with their wives. But The Sunday Mail Leisure has it on good authority that a dangerous “cold war” is raging between the two artistes.
This is now an open secret among their loyalists, music promoters and their band members. Venue owners now have to be careful when booking shows, lest they offend either of the two. Music lovers are now divided, either you are a “Musoja” or “Dendera”, one cannot be both.
In this civilised war, there is no barbarism. There are no witchcraft claims as was the case with yesteryear musicians. It is all about professionalism, hit songs and who commands the biggest following at that moment. Showbiz could not be more interesting!
Sulumani Chimbetu
This weekend, the two giants go head-to-head at the second edition of the Summer Pork and Music Festival to be held at Pamuzinda Ice and Fire. If this was soccer, this gig would be a top-of-the-table clash.
Modelled along the lines of Australia’s Cider and Pork Festival, the two-day festival kicks off this Friday with the first 100 paying customers on Friday and Saturday getting free braai packs courtesy of the Swine Company, the muscle behind the festival.
Those that will miss out on the free braai pack will get an opportunity to buy their pork at an affordable price at the meat and music jamboree.
Jah Prayzah will be the headline act on Friday while Sulu leads the pack on Saturday.
On the Friday gig, dubbed an adult affair, the “Jerusarema” singer will serenade revellers with the help of Utakataka Express boss Peter “Young Igwe” Moyo.
Jah Prayzah is currently the most sought-after entertainer in the country while Young Igwe has managed to whet music lovers’ appetite with teasers from his forthcoming album.
Saturday will be Sulu’s day. The “Sean Timba” hit-singer, a consistent performer since taking over his father’s band a decade ago, will be accompanied by respected dancehall chanters Seh Calaz and Tocky Vibes plus a DJ.
With dancehall still ruling the roost as a genre while Sulu himself is a multi-award winning performer with several hits under his belt, Saturday is, indeed, a day to look forward to.
Starting off with family fun day hosts Phathisani Sibanda (Star FM) and Radio Zimbabwe presenters Godfrey Gweje and Lionel Mkandla, the Summer Pork and Music Festival final day promises fireworks.
The Air Force Brass band, pony rides, live porkers, jumping castle and clowns for the kids will round up a beautiful summer afternoon.
DJ Cables, a growing brand in club circles, takes over the reins to usher in the evening programme.
