By Shepherd Mutamba

NORTON – Newly built Sam Mtukudzi Conference Centre here is the venue for the star-studded annual SPAR Solo Fest Pakare Paye 2010 on Wednesday 22nd December.

The conference centre is named in honour of Sam son to Oliver Mtukudzi founder of Pakare Paye Arts Centre.

Left: Clare Nyakujara.

Sam died in a car accident in Harare in March this year in the same crash that killed his childhood friend Owen Chimhare.

SPAR Solo Fest Pakare Paye 2010 is the first major musical event in the conference centre adjoining a marquee-sized gazebo housing a new bar and lounge.

But there are also change rooms for artists and a recording studio in the final stages on construction including retail shops and lodges. This second phase of Pakare Paye Arts Centre ultimately becomes a one-stop state-of-the art academy of the arts.

Meanwhile the Solo Fest has roped in more female talent including Clare Nyakujara who plays the acoustic guitar and does vocals. Selmor Mtukudzi-Manatsa (vocals) is also coming in supported by hubby Tendai (guitar and vocals).

Festival Director Watson Chidzomba said: “We are on course and cannot wait for the day when we are unveiling our new Conference Centre that will host this outstanding extravaganza of the arts made possible by the support of SPAR and News Day, Chipaz Promotions, Harare International Jazz Festival and Tuku Music.”

Right: Selmar Mtukudzi-Manatsa.

The solo concept is more of a developmental idea harnessing individual talent to promote self-confidence when artists perform solo. But it also encourages performers to be versatile.

With the following line-up of sheer talent certainly there can never be any better place on 22nd December: Alick Macheso (bass guitar- vocals),Victor Kunonga (guitar- vocals), Kapfupi - Freddy Majalima (comedy), Charles Chipanga (marimba- vocals), Steve Makoni (guitar - vocals), Oliver Mtukudzi (guitar - vocals), Bob Nyabinde (guitar - vocals), Winky D (dub poetry), Sebastian Magacha (vocals), Chirikure Chirikure (poetry), Sulumani Chimbetu (guitar - vocals), Mathias Julius (dance), Vimbai Zimuto (mbira - vocals), Phillip Tsikirayi (mbira & percussion), Kuda Ndoro (dance), Munya Mataruse (guitar – vocals), Poda Muriwa (guitar - vocals), Donald Kanyuchi (harmonica), Jackie Nyamutumbu (marimba), Martha Badza (percussion), Wakile (banjo), Simba Mutanga (marimba), Faith Muzondo (dance) and Watson Chidzomba Jnr (drums). – Shepherd Mutamba is the festival first assistant director and publicist for Pakare Paye Arts Centre and Tuku Music.