HARARE - Zimbabwe’s leading independent newspaper, the Daily News has partnered superstar musician Oliver Mtukudzi’s annual Pakare Paye Solo Festival which takes place this year on Saturday, October 6 in Norton.

The sixth edition of the festival this year features international artists Suzanna Owiyo from Kenya and Kunle Ayo from Nigeria and local artists including Mtukudzi, Olivia Charamba, Steve Makoni, Kudzai Sevenzo, Albert Nyathi, Bob Nyabinde, Edith we Utonga, Victor Kunonga, Jah Prayzah, Allan Chimbetu, Munya Mataruse and Clare Nyakujara.

The main performances will be preceded by a mentoring workshop for pupils where celebrated artists such as Mtukudzi, Dominic Benhura, Elvas Mari and Albert Nyathi will facilitate the training of the young artists.

“Pakare Paye is excited with the Daily News partnership and we hope our artists will realise growth in their individual artistic endeavours through such synergies with the media,” said Mtukudzi.

Stanley Gama, Associated Newspapers of Zimbabwe Group Editor said he was excited that the fastest-growing newspaper in the country was partnering the best musician in the country.

“Tuku is a living legend, the best there is and probably the best there ever will be. This collaboration is itself an endorsement by Tuku of the Daily News as a reliable brand. Tuku has taken music to another level and the Daily News is taking journalism to fresh levels. It’s a partnership of the best products in the market and the outcome is a masterstroke,” said Gama.

The festival seeks to build confidence in individual artistes who can perform solo and still entertain and make a living.

In the past, the festival has featured solo acts by the likes of Alick Macheso, Suluman Chimbetu, Fungisayi Zvakavapano-Mashavave, Freddy “Kapfupi” Majalima, Chirikure Chirikure, Nqobile Malinga and Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana. - Staff Writer