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WE have always felt that our musicians should try and take a crack at the film industry just like their colleagues in many parts of the world, including Hollywood.
We are happy to note that one of our superstar musicians, Jah Prayzah, is being featured in a movie, titled Alkebulan, which is set to be released in September.
Alkebulan is a combination of talent from seven African countries — South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Senegal, Rwanda, Nigeria, and Uganda
Jah Prayzah’s manager, Keen Mushapaidze, said:
“He has done a few cameo appearances in the past. But for us, it’s all about quality control. How does the movie fit into our vision? Production also has to be top-notch as that’s what the JP brand stands for.
“So, it’s very rare you come across a combination of good scripts and top-notch productions.”
Jah Prayzah has the appeal and stature that can make a movie star.
We are excited that he is featuring in a movie which is a narration of Africa, about the continent reclaiming the identity, its heritage and its pride.
The movie is about falling in love with Africa all over again and embracing the beauty and richness of the continent.
Jah Prayzah has been in these trenches before.
He directed and produced the Mhosva series, a behind-the bars show hosted by Dual Sim, which airs on NRTV.
He was also featured on Mabla 10’s famous drama Bag reMhosva.
We have seen it around the world with many music superstars plunging into the movies.
Elvis Presley, who is widely known as The King, starred in 31 films between 1956 and 1969.
The Beatles also featured in the black-and-white comedy “A Hard Day’s Night” and the animated psychedelic odyssey “Yellow Submarine.”
Barbra Streisand was a character in the movies like “Funny Girl” to the 1976 remake of “A Star is Born.”
Madonna has also featured in the movies and so did Michael Jackson.
So, there is nothing that should stop our own musical stars from also plunging in the movie industry.
We want our movie industry to also kick according to its weight and we are excited that the announcement that Jah Prayzah will be featuring in a feature film also coincided with the announcement that at least 35 films will be showcased at the inaugural Mosi-oa-Tunya International Film Festival (MOTIFF) in Victoria Falls from August 1 to 4.
A brainchild of Fronteras Capital, the festival will bring together 150 creatives and business executives to the country’s principal resort city.
Fronteras Capital chairperson, Dumisani Nyoni, says this is part of their grand initiative to put Africa on the spot.
He is confident MOTIFF will connect Zimbabwe to the rest of the film world.
Fronteras Capital, an investment group, is collaborating with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe to host the festival.
All this is good news for our movie industry.
It could be what the industry was probably waiting for to really spark into full throttle.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter