Jah Prayzah’s market value escalates

Langalakhe Mabena

HE is well known for making history and breaking barriers in the local and international music scenes, and once more, celebrated multi-award-winning muso Jah Prayzah is set to make another record as he will be holding an Intimate Acoustic night at The Elegant Ensemble on 2 November in Harare.

This is not a mere gig. It’s an up close black tie event which will see ONLY 300 people accommodated to watch JP on stage, and such intimacy comes at a cost of US$100 for each individual who will attend.

Mathematically, JP is looking forward to making US$30 000 from the 300 ticket sales only, a jackpot that comes once in a lifetime.

His manager Keen Mushapaidze revealed that Jah Prayzah has been evolving for the past years, musically, on his personality and businesswise, and this particular gig was always on the cards.

“This kind of gig was always on the cards; we were just waiting for the right moment. Jah Prayzah has been developing as a brand for the past years and the numbers and the brands he has managed to attract are a testimony.

“He creates music for everyone but on this gig he will be doing an intimate and up close gig which will cater for the few who can manage to pay for such an experience. It’s going to be a very different and unique gig by JP and those who have attended previous gigs and have a chance to grace this one will attest.

“I can’t explain how different it will be, but I can simply say fans have to come and witness on their own because JP and the band are working tirelessly to make sure the event will be historic and always stay in people’s memories and hearts,” said Mushapaidze.

Already, through the gig JP has broken the record. He is the only new-age artiste to hold a show with a ticket that is valued at US$100.

It’s only the late legendary musician Dr Oliver Tuku Mtukudzi who could pull such shows and fill venues.

By emulating and following Tuku’s footsteps, does it mean JP has reached legendary status?

“I can’t respond to that but the people who will attend the gig are the ones who will say. What I know of is that tickets are selling very well and we are already planning a second gig of this nature so that we accommodate those who won’t be able to buy tickets on time.

“JP is not about chasing clout or proving a point. He has positioned himself very well in the local and international music sphere and whatever he does is to maintain that. Only his fans can crown him as a legend,” said Mushapaidze.