HARARE - Some of Zimbabwe’s leading artistes will converge at the Book Café tomorrow to take part in a benefit concert which seeks to raise funds for ex-Studio 263 actress Pretty Xaba who was recently diagnosed with cancer.
Xaba, who rose to national prominence playing the role of Mai Muwengwa in Zimbabwe’s first soapie, has a cancerous tumour in the oesophagus.
Actor and arts manager Tawonga Mafundikwa confirmed the benefit concert yesterday.
“The benefit concert seeks to raise about $9 800 needed to finance the removal of the cancerous growth in India. We are delighted because artistes from a broad section of arts genres have agreed to take part in the event,” he said.
According to the former Estate Blues actor, the artistes who have agreed to take part include Suluman Chimbetu, Jah Prayzah, Charles and Olivia Charamba, Progress Chipfumo, Selmor Mtukudzi, Tendai Manatsa, Edith WeUtonga, Mafriq, Chikwata 263, Diana Samkange, Philbert Marova, Hope Masike and Alfred Nenguwo.
Mafundikwa added that other interested artistes should come to the concert tomorrow.
“The benefit concert was hastily arranged and because of that we could not contact all the artistes. All artistes eager to take part should come and be part of this worthy cause,” he said.
The “Let’s Help Pretty Xaba Campaign” has also attracted some of Zimbabwe’s leading comedians such as Edgar Langeveldt, Michael Kudakwashe, Q the Boss and Doc Vikela.
Power FM’s Tendai Chakanyuka and Star FM DJ Ash Styles will also take part in the event.
Apart from acting in several high-profile films like Wedding Dress, Something Nice From London and several radio dramas, Xaba has also featured in advertisements for prominent organisations like Econet, CBZ, OK and the New Start Centre.