NORTON – In our tireless effort to be the prime venue for arts development but also for pure pleasure Pakare Paye Arts Centre here celebrates the onset of summer with a good mix of musical performances.

In the recent weeks we had Steve Makoni supported by our young sensation Munya Mataruse, a product from the centre’s development programme. Just yesterday afternoon we hosted sungura maestro Aleck Macheso at another family show.

And who is next this Sunday?

Zimbabwe’s own legendary reggae band Transit Crew is performing at Pakare Paye at yet another daytime family show. Brace - the Rastas are coming to town!

We are bringing all the big names one can think of and certainly transforming the entertainment and showbiz landscape of this hugely ever-promising little town.

^ Transit Crew...Elderman Samaita Zindi (right) and Zinyengere Rungano Chaza.

Transit Crew is a celebrated reggae group formed in Harare in the 1980s and has backed many visiting overseas artists. The band has cultivated a huge following among conscious reggae followers because of its consistency and stability.

Fronted by the original Transit Crew Samaita Elder Zindi, Munya Bhudi Nyemba and Anthony Liba Amon the band has, to its huge credit, helped develop young reggae artists among them Mic Inity who is currently at the top of his game and Emmanuel Mannex Motsi among many others.

Their 2009 release, the 11-track Unity, laden with contemporary roots rockers’ reggae is described by reggae buffs as conscious compositions that preach love and unity amongst mankind but it is also music for the contemporary reggae fan.

Come spend Sunday with Rasta and be blessed! Seen? – Shepherd Mutamba/tukumusik.com