Sick Stimela braves it for Jah Prayzah

Melissa Mpofu in Harare
A visibly ill Jah Prayzah vocalist — Stimela (real name Fatima Katiji) who is battling TB proved that she is a true soldier when she took to the stage on Friday to back her band leader at the Watora Mari concert in Harare.

Before performing, the usually cheerful dancer was spotted backstage and it was clear she was not her bubbly self. One could have been excused for concluding that she had just come to support Jah Prayzah while sitting backstage but to everyone’s surprise she performed.

Stimela who had been off stage for the past two months, was joined on stage by other dancers including Excavator and Fun Cargo who were very energetic. Though she tried to smile, her moves were a bit slower as she was having challenges performing.

Speaking after the concert — Stimela — sister to Edith Katiji said she was recovering well and was looking forward to going back on stage full time.

“Fans will be seeing more of me now as I’m getting better. Doctors said I can perform whenever I feel I’ve the energy so I’ll be doing just that,” said Stimela.

She said performing on Friday was no walk in the park as she has lost a lot of weight.

“I felt so small as I’ve lost a lot of weight and I’m trying to adjust to my new small body.”

With support from fellow Third Generation band members, Stimela is confident that she will be up and running soon.