Jamal commemorations on the cards

Entertainment Correspondent
MUTARE-BASED musicians are next month set to converge at Courtauld Theatre to commemorate the life of the late urban groover, Nyika Jamal Mataure. Mataure famed for the hit song, Kurwizi, which featured songstress, Betty Makaya, died last year in October after suffering from motor -neuron disease for years.

One of the musicians who partnered Jamal in the 10-year musical expedition and organiser of the event, Mercy Kaminyu, simply known as MK47, said plans were afoot to celebrate the life of one of the most talented keyboardists, composers and vocalists ever to emerge in the eastern border city.

MK47 and Jamal did three songs together, Matindingoma, Zororo and Why.

“I have engaged various musicians in Mutare and Harare and more than 15 of them are willing to be part of the event. Jamal was one of us and his talent was unique and natural. His legacy will never die. We will also engage the family for blessings,” she said.

Jamal was born on July 17, 1976 in Mozambique. He attended his primary education at Rujeko in Dangamvura.

He pursued his secondary education at Mount St Mary’s in Hwedza. He later pursued music after leaving school and did collaborations with various musicians before releasing the album, Ghetto, in 2003 which carries the smash hit, Kurwizi, featuring Betty Makaya.

He was a talented keyboardist and before his ill-fated illness, he was on the verge of releasing a comeback album which was produced by a Mozambican producer and carries tracks like Baba Tavakunorara, Mira Padoko, Menina and Mwana Wechikoro. He did not live to release the album.

He also did a compilation project which carries some of his works.

Meanwhile, MK 47 and another rising urban groover, Flexso, raised the Manicaland flag high after putting up sterling performance at the just-ended Shoko Festival held in Harare.

The female rapper who is a member of the forgotten group Project Fame, has successfully revived her musical career after it took a plunge following the relocation of the group’s other half, Lufasi, to South Africa.