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Countrywide commemoration gigs for the late legendary singer Simon “Chopper” Chimbetu start tonight at Jazz 105 with a must attend gig led by the heir to the dendera throne Suluman Chimbetu. Sulu, as he is affectionately knownto his fans, will be backed by his Orchestra Dendera Kings. Sulu has also engaged two prominent promoters Partson “Chipaz” Chimbodza and Josh Hozheri while Moonlight Funeral Services will be the platinum sponsors of the event.
Other sponsors are Delta Beverages, Zuva Printers, Red Rose Entertainment, Jazz 105, Kadoma Rainbow Hotel, National Eye Security, Carex and Cossy Furniture’s (Kadoma) will be working in conjunction with Orchestra Dendera Kings (Private) Limited.
The gigs come eight years after Chopper’s death. The gigs, which are now an annual event, will be celebrated throughout August, under the theme “Celebrating the life of a hero and music icon”.
The major show dubbed “Tribute Concert” will be held in Harare at Belgravia Sports Club on August 7 and will be strictly by invitation. The Harare gig will have 550 reserved tables, 450 of which will be for invited guests including the Chimbetu family and the remainder for sponsors and the media.
The late Simon’s achievements which include music awards and trophies will be paraded during the shows. A picture album chronicling the life of Chopper will also be released.
According to Trevor Jakachira, Sulu’s manager, a 2013 tribute compilation album carrying seven randomly selected tracks from Simon’s discography will be released on the day.
“These compilation albums will be released every year as part of the commemorations.
“Suluman’s sister, Saiwe, will lead an array of Chimbetu artistes who will all get an opportunity to showcase their talents on the day.
“We are negotiating with the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation for the Harare gig to be screened live on ZBCTV.
“In honour of our fallen legend and as part of our social responsibilities, we will be donating cement to the Simon Chimbetu primary and secondary schools for refurbishment and construction of extra learning blocks,” Jakachira said.
Belgravia Sports Club will host the gig on August 7 while another gig is slated for Harare Gardens on August 11 and in Kadoma on August 8. Victoria Falls show is on August 9 and in Chinhoyi the gig is expected on August 12 while in Mutare the show will be held at Pick ‘n’ Save on August 16 and in Rusape on August 17 before winding up in Masvingo on August 30.
On August 23 and 24, the band will perform at the UNWTO General Assembly, taking the opportunity to continue spreading the gospel of dendera, a genre popularised by the late Simon.
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