By Kudakwashe Vhenge
Zimbabwean artistes of various genres will today host a COVID 19 fundraising online concert.
All proceeds from the star studded show will go towards the country’s fight against global pandemic.
The show organized by the Jacaranda Culture and Media Corporation (JCMC), in conjunction with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and United Programme for Athletes & Artists in Zimbabwe (UPAZIM) is being held under the theme “United Against COVID-19″.
The virtual concert will be streamed online via different social media platforms under the #Switch on Zimbabwe.
The show which will commence at 1800 hours will be live on NAMA tv Youtube channel, UPA Zimbabwe Instagram page and JCMC Facebook page.
Local promoters, Kaysee Connect and CIMAS are sponsoring the event.
A press release by JCMC highlighted that various musicians, poets, and dancers will come together to spread goodwill, promote social distancing, good hygiene, and also to encourage citizens to practice good mental health habits during this pandemic.
“Artists to perform include Jah Prayzah, Janet Manyowa, Ammara Brown, Tamy Moyo, Asaph, Trevor Dongo, Cindy Munyavi, Fusion 5 Mangwiro, Nyasha David, Leonard Mapfumo, Pastor Gee, Minister Michael Mahendera, Nutty-O, Sniper Storm, Long John the Comedian, Those Guys Vacho, Tongai Chirisa, and many, many more,” reads the statement.
Man of the moment Winky D who is riding high on his latest album “Njema” had a last minute dropout from the concert.
JCMC, as the current event managers of the National Arts Merit Awards, are also using this platform to promote artists and ensure that they are provided a platform to continue to use their talents towards the growth and recovery efforts of the nation. This is in line with their mandate which is to add value to the arts sector as a whole so as to ensure arts in Zimbabwe are seen as integral to socioeconomic development.
Just like their international counterparts, Zimbabwean artistes have embraced the use of online performances in order to honor social distancing, due to the government imposed “lockdown” which is meant to limit the spread of the pandemic disease.
