Chiyangwa hogs limelight at Jah Prayzah album launch

Philip Chiyangwa

HARARE – Colourful businessman Philip Chiyangwa gave music star Jah Prayzah two stands worth $27 000 during the launch of the Uzumba-born musician’s latest album titled Jerusarema at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) on Friday night.

The two stands pledged by Chiyangwa during the auction of Jerusarema include a Harare one worth $12 000 and another in Kariba valued at $15 000.

The bid by the controversial businessman, who also gave Jah Prayzah another $12 000 stand during the launch of Tsviriyo at the defunct Jazz 105 two years ago, beat  bids by urban groove musician Trevor Dongo  who offered $600 and  Savanna Tobacco boss Douglas Mamvura who pledged $2 000.

Chiyangwa’s whopping gift was the highlight of a launch that started three hours late as organisers waited for the guest of honour Emmerson Mnangagwa

Mnangagwa was in the company of War Veterans minister Christopher Mutsvangwa and his wife Monica, the Media and Information deputy minister.

Music superstar Oliver Mtukudzi also graced the event along with many other artistes who included Suluman Chimbetu who gave a sterling performance, Albert Nyathi, Sandra Ndebele, Cynthia Mare, Mudiwa, BaShupi, Take 5, Tehn Diamond,  and Dino Mudondo.

The packed event, which reportedly attracted 2 000 revellers, was mainly sponsored by Savanna Tobacco.

A visibly excited Mnangagwa, who revealed that it was his first time to attend an album launch, lauded Jah Prayzah’s lyrical prowess.

“You are so creative. I have never been to a concert or anything of this nature in the past but I am so happy to see you perform very well,” he said.

“I have been given this honour to launch this sixth album but am so happy to see the guru Oliver Mtukudzi here to celebrate with you. We made him (Jah Prayzah) our ambassador for the defence forces and he has done great work. We are proud of you.”

Tuku, who is the subject of a controversial biography titled Tuku Backstage penned by his former publicist Shepherd Mutamba, predictably advised Jah Prayzah to remain focused regardless of criticism from detractors.

“Makorokoto, ramba wakadaro, ramba wakatarisa mberi kwauri kuenda, zvakawanda zvinouya, zvinotaurwa zvichanyorwa, ndonzira yacho usacheuke ramba wakatarisa mberi,” said the legendary musician. Daily News