FOR any musician, having a receptive audience away from your own country is a gratifying feeling.
Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
It is testimony that you have made inroads beyond the comfort of home, an international artiste of note. Jah Prayzah might have felt that way when he performed before a packed Millennium Amphitheatre in Dubai last week.
He had great energy on and off stage as fans sang along to almost every song.
While the Hokoyo singer gave his all on stage, the one thing that was showcased at the Dubai Expo 2022 was the Zimbabwean dream.
It seemed the entire Zimbabwean community in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) turned up for this glamourous show.
In was a rare scene if the social media videos are anything to go by.
Zimbabweans across the political divide, for once, united on stage in song and dance.
The whole ambience added colour to Dubai, one of the seven emirates that make up what is commonly known as the UAE.
It is known globally for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture and a lively nightlife scene as well as the famed Burj Khalifa, an 830m-tall tower that dominates the skyscraper-filled skyline.
At its foot lies Dubai Fountain, with jets and lights choreographed to music. On artificial islands just offshore is Atlantis, The Palm, a resort with water and marine-animal parks.
And Jah Prayzah was among the glitterati that showed up in Dubai alongside Zimbabwean businessman Ken Sharpe, who offered the entire 18-member piece band an all-expenses-paid trip.
It was a wonderful experience as Jah Prayzah staged a free show to visitors during the Zimbabwe National Day, where the country charmed the world through its people, culture and heritage.
Reports say Jah Prayzah performed to expectation and those who attended had a whale of a time.
And if one threw a stone, it would surely hit a Zimbabwean, for nearly everyone hailing from this country was there.
From captains of industry, celebrity preachers to several government officials, they were all in attendance. One social media user quipped that Zimbabweans turned the Dubai Expo 2022 into the Harare Agricultural Show.
“It is a privilege and honour to be here today in Dubai and witness the National day of Zimbabwe at the Expo 2020,” funder Sharpe said in his speech.
“We are supporting the sustainability of our communities in Zimbabwe by committing ourselves to building our country, one brick at a time. We are honoured today to have the opportunity to sponsor Jah Prazah and his ensemble of performers. He is an icon of Zimbabwean culture in music and his Godly talent must be recognised by the world. We hope those that attend tonight‘s concert will hear and feel of the Zimbabwe spirit that comes from his music. Tatenda, Thank you, Makorokoto Zimbabwe, today we celebrate you.”
Dubai Expo 2020 is a world platform for countries to showcase their best. It is currently running under theme: “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.”
