‘Chopper’ gigs head for explosive climax

Entertainment Reporter
DENDERA musician Suluman Chimbetu has declared this Thursday’s Summer Ignition Gig at Private Lounge in which he collaborates with comrade-in-arms Jah Prayzah as a befitting last commemorative show for his father.Sulu, as Suluman is affectionately referred to by his legion of fans, dedicated the entire month of August to remembering his late father, Simon “Chopper” Chimbetu who died on August 14, 2005.

And as the musician, who is set to leave for a tour of South Africa in early September, winds down the commemoration gigs, he chose the “hottest new club in town”, Private Lounge.

“My father was a glitz and glamour person. He liked nice things; from his attire on stage, the car he drove to the places he performed in. Private Lounge is a five-star venue, one which I have not performed in — holding my last commemorative show at the venue is special to me,” said Sulu.

The affable crooner and his band went on a nationwide tour, holding shows in memory of “Chopper”.
On August 7, he held a memorable gala dinner at Belgravia Sports Club where 550 guests including Vice President Joice Mujuru were in attendance.

What makes the midweek gig even more intimate and special is that at the gala dinner, Sulu singled out Jah Prayzah whom he will be sharing the stage with at the show as one of the artistes that inspire him to do better.

The two artistes, whose combination has taken the country by storm, even sang the national anthem together. They have dazzled audiences with their high-energy acts.

Their star power has defied all rules of entertainment with the two even staging shows on Mondays in some parts of the country and this Thursday’s show is likely to be oversubscribed as people scramble to have a glimpse of the new place.

Jah Prayzah, who wowed music fans at last Thursday’s inauguration gala for President Mugabe, has pledged to recreate the electric atmosphere that characterised the National Sports Stadium fete.

“Thursdays are party days. Since this show is dubbed the Summer Ignition Gig, we are going to ensure that we really ignite summer at the new venue,” declared the gangly musician.

Jah Prayzah, who had three songs in Radio Zimbabwe’s Top 100 last year, said it was good that club owners were now investing in upmarket venues.

“As we invest in our costumes for the stage and try to be smartly dressed always, venue owners should also reciprocate by making their places top notch. We need people to have the confidence to come to our shows because they know it’s smart, controlled and there is adequate security,” he said.