FRIENDS, fans and the family of Jeys Marabini will tomorrow put on their dancing shoes and gather to celebrate one of Zimbabwe's music icons.
Legendary singer and songwriter Jeys Marabini will be honoured at a spectacular music concert tomorrow at the Zimbabwe Music Academy in Bulawayo.
The honorary event, dubbed Friends of Jeys Marabini in Concert, is being produced and curated by Sabela Music and its director Saimon Mambazo-Phiri.
Jeys Marabini recently said he has travelled almost everywhere around the world and has collaborated with many artistes in the country.
He told the media that he could notthank Mambazo-Phiri enough for the gesture, which will ensure that he earns recognition while he is still alive.
Many people have criticised stakeholders in the music industry for constantly giving people credit at their funerals, calling it a futile exercise.
NewsDay Life & Style tracked down and spoke to some of the artistes and stakeholders from Bulawayo to get their reaction on Marabini’s milestone.
Iyasa founder Nkululeko Dube hailed Marabini as a pioneer in the music industry.
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“He is a pioneer to me and opened doors locally and internationally for many local artistes in Zimbabwe,” he said.
“He was one of the first to selflessly make a name in Europe and later invite artistes from his region, especially to come and showcase their work in Europe, particularly through his promotion company Equator.
“Jeys to me is a mentor and inspiration. He played a huge role in giving Iyasa a platform and we did several successful collaborations with him.”
Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Judith Ncube also congratulated the living legend.
“I would like to congratulate Jeys on attaining this milestone. As a province and, indeed, as a country, we wish him many more years of good health and great music,” she said.
“I think a lot of the young artists we have today could borrow a leaf from him and learn to be patient. Everything goes according to God’s divine plan, Rome was not built in a day.
“He respects people, that’s another thing to emulate. Respect everyone, respect yourself and attract blessings. Congratulations once more to him on a resounding three and a half decades.”
Fellow songstress Thandy Dhlana-Jele said being part of the line-up of this weekend’s celebrations only catapulted her.
“I feel proud to be recognised as a worthy collaborator. It is a thrilling honour to perform and share the stage with legends to celebrate this other legend. It validates my talent and handy work, all our fans and those coming fans should expect the best,” she said.
Some of the artistes lined up include Mzoe7, Steve Dyer and pastor Barack Mbeu, among many others.
