Dendera music fans are expected to go down memory lane through the release of an honourary compilation album for the late Simon Chimbetu, due for release on Wednesday.
BY OUR STAFF
This is part of activities to commemorate and celebrate his works.
The album, titled Compilation For My Dad was facilitated by Sulumani Chimbetu who is leading the month-long commemorative events for his late father throughout August. Simon died on August 14 2005.
Sulumani’s song Kure, which salutes his late father and mother, also features on the album. The compilation carries popular Dendera hits like Samatenga, Ndarangarira Gamba, Mudzimu Ndiringe, Pane Asipo, One Way and Mandivavarira.
The 10-track album will be released at a tribute concert to be held at Belgravia Sports Club on Wednesday.
The tribute concert will be an upmarket event meant to reach out to fans that do not have access to some of the gigs planned for the commemorations.
Sulumani’s manager, Trevor Jakachira said they expected senior government officials, captains of industry and other respected delegates to attend the event. There will be 550 tables for guests at the function.
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“We will screen an album of the late musician’s photos as a way of reminding people of the good old days in the life of a great music icon,” said Jakachira.
“It will be a way of celebrating the exceptional job that Simon did in the music industry. We have decided to give his daughter Saiwe a chance to show guests her capacity as a gospel musician. She has done very well by her standards but people have not seen her in action at a grand stage.
“We will give her and other aspiring female musicians from the Dendera family a time to show the world that talent in the Chimbetu dynasty is not restricted to male musicians.”
Other male musicians from the Chimbetu family besides Sulumani are also expected to take part at the concert.
Sulumani said he took the event as a way of honouring his father for being a source of inspiration and strength in his life and career. “Many people owe a lot to the late musician and we believe honouring him annually is an appropriate way to acknowledge the contribution he made to the arts industry at large,” said Sulumani.
“I chose the songs that touch me for the compilation album and we hope people will enjoy the new release.”
Many companies have supported the concert in various ways. Among the organisations and promoters behind the event are Moonlight Funeral Services, Red Rose Entertainment, National Eye Security, Cossy Furnitures, Jazz 105, Chipaz Promotions, Kadoma Rainbow Hotel, Carex, Zuva Printers and Delta Beverages.
Sulumani is also expected to perform at various venues across the country as part of the commemorations.
On August 8, he performs in Kadoma and goes to Victoria Falls on August 9. He performs at Harare Gardens on August 11 and travels to Chinhoyi on August 12. Other shows will be held on August 16 and 17 in Mutare and Rusape respectively while in Masvingo he performs on August 30.
