By Ernest Nyahanana in Dubai
For Jah Prayzah, performing before a packed Millennium Amphitheatre in Dubai at Expo 2020 felt a lot like home.
He had great energy on and off stage as fans sang along to almost every song.
While the Hokoyo singer gave his all on stage the one thing that was showcased at the Dubai Expo 2022 was the Zimbabwean dream.
At least some donned the colourful scarfs popularised by President Mnangagwa there were others spotted in yellow.
Zimbabweans across the political divide for once united on stage in song and dance.
The whole ambience added colour to Dubai, one of the seven countries that make up what is commonly known as the United Arab Emirates.
Known for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture and a lively nightlife scene as well as the famed Burj Khalifa, an 830m-tall tower that dominates the skyscraper-filled skyline.
At its foot lies Dubai Fountain, with jets and lights choreographed to music. On artificial islands just offshore is Atlantis, The Palm, a resort with water and marine-animal parks.
And Jah Prayzah was among the glitterati that showed up in Dubai alongside businessman Ken Sharpe, who offered the entire 18-member piece band an all expensive paid trip.
It was a whole experience as Jah Prayzah staged a free show to visitors during the Zimbabwe National Day, where the country charmed the world through its people, culture and heritage.
Reports say Jah Prayzah performed to expectations and those who attended had a whale of a time.
Naturally Dubai is a world-class tourism destination and to meet as many Zimbabweans as what happened last week was unbelievable.
And if one threw a stone it would surely hit a Zimbabwean for everyone was there.
The captains of industry, celebrity preachers to several government officials. One social media joked that Zimbabweans turned the Dubai Expo 2022 into Harare Agricultural Show.
The Harare Agricultural Show is a once in year event where service providers as well as all and sundry showcase their products.
WestProp Property developer Ken Sharpe said about Jah Prayzah gig: “It is a privilege and honor to be here today in Dubai and witness the National day of Zimbabwe at the Expo 2020. We are supporting the sustainability of our communities in Zimbabwe by committing ourselves to building our country ‘one brick at a time’.
“We are honored today to have the opportunity to sponsor Jah Prazah and his ensemble of performers. He is an icon of Zimbabwean culture in music and his Godly talent must be recognized by the world.
“We hope those that attend tonight‘s concert will hear and feel of the Zimbabwe spirit that comes from his music. Tatenda, Thank you, Makorokoto Zimbabwe today we celebrate you,” he said.
Dubai Expo 2020 is a world platform for countries to showcase their best and is currently running under theme: “Sustainability and its a time to create, collaborate and innovate among businesses and countries.”
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