The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube Entertainment Correspondent
REVERED musicians, Leonard Zhakata, Sniper and Lady Squanda, will tonight (Friday) share the stage in Chipinge at a Cyclone Idai Cheer Up gig meant to console victims of the cyclone which killed hundreds and displaced thousands in the eastern belt of the country.
The gig is part of Life Brand Agric Services corporate social responsibility programme.
The company sponsors the production of the lucrative castor bean crop in Zimbabwe. The devastating tropical Cyclone Idai reared its ugly head in the country, causing widespread deaths and destruction in Chimanimani, Chipinge and some parts of Masvingo Province.
In a statement, the organisation’s chief operations officer, Israel Kembo said: “We operate within the community and we feel that the people of Chipinge and Chimanimani can also benefit from our existence.
“Preparations for the ‘Cyclone Idai Cheer Up’ and ‘Reach out Gala’ in Chipinge has reached an advanced stage. In as much as the devastation of Cyclone Idai will remain engraved in the hearts of the victims, cheering them up and giving them hope is key especially in the aftermath.
The organisation will also sponsor castor bean input packs worth US$5 600 to 10 families that were affected by the devastating cyclone in Chipinge and Chimanimani.
“Castor bean is an export crop and we believe that its adoption by the beneficiaries will put them on a better financial position once they harvest, four months after planting,” added Kembo.
Gospel artiste, Larry Gunda of the ‘Be Still’ and ‘Mbiri Kugwayana’ fame is also expected to be part of the music cast.
Mugove hit-maker and shrewd lyricist, Zhakata said he was excited to be part of the noble initiative.
“Food hand-outs have been the order of the day, but the heart and soul also needs healing and there is no better remedy than music.
We certainly cannot afford to mourn forever, I guarantee you that this gala will have lasting memories for years to come,” said Zhakata.
