adminBlessed Katiyo in JOHANNESBURG
FORMER Zimbabwe international and revered Kaizer Chiefs hardman, Willard Katsande, has taken a new business direction and is now involved in music promotion.
He will host his first gig in Johannesburg.
Sungura guru, Alick Macheso, and his Orchestra Mberikwazvo ensemble will be the first to support Katsande’s new line of business.
Two shows are pencilled for the end of this month with the first show getting underway at the Kempton Park Civic Centre on April 28.
The second show will be at the famed Newtown Music Factory (Bassline) the following day.
Speaking to H-Metro yesterday, Katsande was upbeat about the new venture and says he is in the game to stay.
“I have decided to diversify into another line of business.
“Music is part of me and it is an honour to be associated with a big brand like Mudhara Macheso.
“As a first gig, we have made it a point that everything must be done according to the book and we are definitely not going to fail.”
He has joined hands with other veteran promoters CF Entertainment (Chicco & Farooq).
They have years of experience in promoting Zimbabwean music in Mzansi.
Katsande will be running under his clothing brand Boss Yamboka, which has been well received by both Zimbabweans and South Africans.
“As Boss Yamboka, we are a growing brand and for us to do even better we must play with the big boys such as CF Entertainment and Baba Shero.
“We believe in quality and our brand must also be synonymous with quality.”
The former Chiefs star, who holds the record number of appearances by a foreign footballer at 326 matches, says he will not look back on any of his ventures.
“I am just a rural boy trying to make it and I won’t back down. “Ever since we started marketing the show, most of my friends and fans have been asking who Macheso is, and I promise you we will have a full house at the shows.
“The man deserves recognition for what he has done for the Zimbabwean music industry and also to prove that he is loved, even by South Africans,” said Katsande. The former hardman still has his love for the game at Sekhukhune United where he is the club’s ambassador.
“Football gave me all what I have and it will always be my life.
“I am glad I have just completed my CAF D coaching licence and my ultimate goal is to become a coach for the Zimbabwean Warriors.”
The month-end shows will be the first high-profile gigs in Johannesburg as no big Zimbabwean artist has performed live since the beginning of 2023.
Online Reporter