Zim gospel singer to play gig for young prisoners

Mutuka will be joined by artists such as Dudu Manhenga, Bethany Pasinawako Ngolomi, Olinda Marowa, Pax Gomo, Sandra Chirenje, India’s Varsha Patel and others.

“On 2 June we are having this concert to show our love and support to all juveniles and young offenders in prison this winter,” Matuka wrote on Facebook. “We are fundraising to keep them warm as well to educate the youth on crime prevention.”

Matuka told Music In Africa that other than money, people were free to donate warm clothes at the concert.

“We are looking at raising $5 000 to have all kids benefit from the proceeds,” he said. “We are not only looking at money. People can bring blankets and warm clothes for juveniles in prison.”

The singer said he had received support from local companies and organisations to make the event a success.

“We have partners who came on board to assist us and these include Petoire, Rumikon Computers, Batsirai Vana Foundation Trust, Ransbury Mercides, Micro Mac and Jan Jam.”

This is not the first time Matuka has organised such an event. “It’s our second time, last year we had the same concert called Brightening Young Offenders and we managed to raise examination fees for 27 young offenders to write their examinations while in prison and it was successful.”

Asked what drove him to organise charity shows, Mutuka said: “l am an artist who is part of an organisation called Sermons of Grace Prison Ministry Trust. So I feel it’s great for artists to give back to the community.

“This is something that can brighten juveniles in prison. We should not be quick to judge them. They are going through correctional services and they still have a life to live after prison.”

Mutuka has made headlines for changing how the public perceives prisoners in Zimbabwe. Last year the singer recorded the ‘Totenda Nyasha’ single with Florence Shoriwa, a former inmate, who since then has been a permanent member in his band.

Apart from hosting charity events, Mutuka has also released an international collaborative song intended to promote the country’s tourism and cultural industries. Titled ‘Lovely Zimbabwe’, the track features artists such as Penny Peng (China), Varsha Patel (India), Vicky Prasad (Malaysia), Miam Sohail (Palestine), Manez Bandeira (Angola) and Putshou Luimere (DRC).

Tickets to the 2 June charity event are selling at $5 (VIP), $3 (adults) and $1 (kids) at all Jan Jam stores across the country.