Club Joy Centre at Machipisa shopping centre in Highfield marks three years of operation this month and next Sunday a galaxy of musicians led by contemporary artistes Progress Chipfumo and Andy Muridzo will perform at the joint, which they believe has “changed the way the music industry functions in the country”.
By style Reporter
When Harare businessman and music promoter David Mudzudzu, aka Boss Mudzudzu, mooted the idea of hosting open-air gigs at the joint, popularly known as Club Joy Centre PaFio, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, many doubted him. Today, the joint has become a popular rendezvous for both upcoming and veteran musicians.
Chipfumo, Muridzo, Somandla Ndebele, Freddy Manjalima [aka Kapfupi], Tryson Chimbetu, Tendai Dembo, Baba Harare, Mark Ngwazi, Nyasha Mugari, Potifa Mopo, Blessing and Sasha, David Chipoyi and most recently Nicholas “Madzibaba” Zakaria have been taking turns to entertain fans free of charge.
“The idea of having these free open-air gigs is meant to give our musicians, young and old, a platform to market their products. We have talented musicians, but most do not have the resources, let alone the platform, to showcase their talents,” Mudzudzu told The Standard Style last week.
“The third anniversary celebrations at Club Joy Centre next Sunday are indeed the icing on top of what has been an exciting journey in the entertainment business. I invite all music lovers and the Highfield community at large to come and celebrate with us,” Mudzudzu said.
Famed for reaching out to struggling artistes, Mudzudzu describes Club Joy Centre PaFio, one of the many joints under the Club Joy Centre franchise, “open for business” for all musicians regardless of sex, genre or age.
“We at Club Joy Centre believe in inclusivity and I am reaching out to all music stakeholders to come forward and utilise the platform. For upcoming musicians, we also have instruments that they can use and we are willing to assist in whatever way for them to reach their dreams.” he said.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
In July last year, Mudzudzu gave a new lease of life to yesteryear sungura star Paradzai Mesi Gala, who has fallen on hard times. A benefit concert was held at Club Joy Centre to assist the Goneso singer, thanks to the Zimbabwe Business and Arts Hub (Zibah), in which Mudzudzu is the entertainment director.
Ailing sungura exponent Tedious Matsito, who anointed his son Tedious Muchapedza Matsito (Jnr), to take over the reins of the group,Ngwenya Brothers, is also a beneficiary of Boss Mudzudzu’s benevolence.
“Apart from hosting music shows, I try to reach out to those that are struggling in the industry. We have tried to resuscitate Mesi’s career and as for Matsito I have given his son the chance to perform at Club Joy Centre,” he said.
Next Sunday several groups take to the stage at the anniversary bash that kicks off at 1pm and ends the following morning.
Comedian-cum-musician Kapfupi hailed Mudzudzu.
“I have known Mudhara Mudzudzu for a long time. He has been helpful to us as artistes and he is one such man who has worked hard for the development of the arts sector in the country,” said Kapfupi.
Dembo, who performs regularly at the joint, paid tribute to Mudzudzu, describing the promoter-cum-businessman as a blessing to the arts sector.
“I am grateful to people like Mudzudzu, who beyond doing it for business also spare a thought for the welfare of artistes. Even when chips are down, you are guaranteed a slot at Club Joy Centre and as this big-hearted man celebrates his day, we wish him the Lord’s blessing,” Dembo said.
Mudzudzu, who was born and bred in Mhondoro, said he wants to spread the Club Joy Centre brand across the country.
“My dream is to make Joy Centre a national brand,” he said.
“No man is an island and I believe my success is largely because of the moral support I receive from my family, God Himself, my peers in the music industry and the music lovers and customers who continue frequenting my entertainment joints both in Harare and Chitungwiza.”
