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Entertainment Correspondent
IN a massive breakthrough, local artistes have spread wings to Harare and make their brands popular while exposing themselves to a new audience, thanks to Monday Jam Sessions held every week at City Sports Bar.
So far, Peter Muparutsa and Runn Family, sungura musician, Brian “Samaita” Runganga, ragga-manyika, Assegai Crew and Itai Muchawaya have performed at the session which is meant to promote upcoming musicians while reviving waning musical careers for forgotten musicians.
Samaita and the rejuvenated Murondatsimba Express performed early this month at the jam session before Runn Family, Itai Muchawaya and Assegai Crew featured on Monday’s star-studded jam session dubbed: “Legends Series”.
The brainchild of the concept, Biggie Chinoperekwei, said Mutare-based artistes’ performances had won the hearts of many and he was contemplating hosting a Mutare meets Harare concert where local artistes will troop to Harare for an all-night clash with artistes from the capital city.
The idea, Chinoperekwei, said was meant to promote talent by exposing artistes from other cities to a new audience.
“Artistes in Mutare put up impressive performances and I have a feeling that we are in for a surprise as we intend to bring more artistes from that side. One of our main objectives is to make artistes build synergies. If the budget allows, we wish to cover all areas outside Harare.
We recently brought a bulk of Bulawayo artistes to Harare in a gig dubbed Bulawayo meets Harare and it was very successful.
We are contemplating doing the same for Mutare artistes in the near future. Runn Family, Samaita and Assegai did very well and we are convinced that there are brighter days ahead for the concept.
“Jam sessions are meeting places where artistes, fans, journalists, deejays among other stakeholders meet, share notes and interact. We recently launched a Bulawayo version of the session and the response is overwhelming,” said Chinoperekwei, who is also the City Sports Bar proprietor.
Assegai Crew and Samaita shared their experiences with The Weekender saying the concept was good for their exposure and experience.
“At first we were nervous, the atmosphere was electric, but we later composed ourselves and put up a sterling performance. We have been lacking exposure so this is good for us. We can’t wait for the Mutare meets Harare concert,” said Samaita.
Assegai Crew’s lead vocalist, Massy Mbutsa, said:
“We entertained fans for 35 minutes, but the exposure and moment we had with a new audience was worthwhile. Performing away from home is every musician’s dream and we are happy with the recognition that we got.”
A slot of 30 to 35 minutes is usually given to every group. The Jam session concept was mooted in Harare in January.
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