Maria Chiguvari
SOME leading local music promoters believe there is need for engagement between Jah Prayzah and fans over his move to bar professional photographers from taking videos during his live shows.
Yesterday, Jah Prayzah announced:
“All my fans are free to use their cellphones to take memories of themselves and my performance.
“However, kana wakuuya ne professional camera rato drama content is money. Pay first! Promoters when you book for my services please keep this in mind.”
Partson “Chipaz” Chimbodza, who is the chairperson of music promoters, says there was need for some engagement.
“I think since he addressed fans and promoters, and as I am their chairman, it’s an in-house issue that needs engagement to get clarity.
“It can’t be discussed in public as of now till we get clarity as filming events differs from filming your production and filming someone’s production is different and the purpose also differs.
“So, the bottom line is, as promoters, we have concerns also but we can’t wash dirty linen in public.
“We will engage each other amicably and move forward for a better artistic Zimbabwe.
“Remember we have promoters and bloggers,” he said.
His counterpart, Josh Hozheri, supported Jah Prayzah’s move.
“I think Jah Prayzah still has a bigger task to explain the nature of the content he refers to.
“However, if he feels people are feasting on his content for personal benefits, let’s respect his move.
“The only challenge at the moment is clarity but fans should respect artists’ demands.”
Jah Prayzah, who has a media team, is not the first artist in the world to make such a move.
In other countries, there are festivals where professional photographers are barred.
Some artistes move around with their personal photographers and videographers to avoid such clashes.
The late Leonard Dembo was among artistes who were uncomfortable with cameras and videos.
