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The late Sam Mtukudzi performing with his father Oliver

Sophia Chese : Arts Correspondent

Gary Tight will do cover versions of Sam’s songs during the show that will also feature Prince Edward Jazz band, Sam Dondo, Pakare Paye Ensemble and Dreamstar Zimbabwe two-time runners-up Soul Finders. Show organisers promised many surprises on the fun-filled memorable night.All roads lead to Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton tonight for the Sam Mtukudzi’s commemoration gig.Big names in the entertainment industry such as Oliver Mtukudzi, Jah Prayzah, Alick Macheso and Suluman Chimbetu will take turns to celebrate the life of the late Sam.

Gary Tight will do cover versions of Sam’s songs during the show that will also feature Prince Edward Jazz band, Sam Dondo, Pakare Paye Ensemble and Dreamstar Zimbabwe two-time runners-up Soul Finders.

Show organisers promised many surprises on the fun-filled memorable night.

“The big guys have promised big acts. They are doing it for Sam and his father Oliver. Youthful groups will remember their icon and everything that makes a celebratory night will be there,” said the organisers.

Soul Finders promised a memorable night as the nation will be celebrating one of Zimbabwe’s young and talented musician who was untimely taken away too early.

This is the first time that the acapella group will be sharing stage with big artistes.

In an interview the group through their manager Rumbidzai Matinanga said this is going to be a great opportunity for the group to showcase their talent on a much bigger platform.

“Since we ventured into music, this has always been our dream to share the stage with the country’s big names in the entertainment industry as an acapella group and we are grateful to God that our dream has finally come true,” she said.

“We have been trying to make an impact on the flooded industry since we participated in the Dreamstar Zimbabwe and this is going to be our biggest breakthrough,” she said.

Matinanga added that the major highlight of their lives is going to be the moment when they are going to share the stage with Tuku.

“We are happy that for the first time we are going to share the stage with the legend, ‘Samanyanga’, I am sure this is every upcoming artiste’s dream and we are really excited.”

Soul Finders who are going to perform Sam Mtukudzi’s songs in acapella also paid tribute to the late musician whom they described as an icon who was still in the making saying they will always cherish him and his talent.

“Sam Mtukudzi was such a talented and focused young man who was untimely snatched away from us, we will always cherish his talent, charisma and hard work.”

In the early hours of Monday, March 15, 2010, Sam and his sound engineer, Owen Chimhare, died in a car crash while traveling back to Norton from Harare.

Both Mtukudzi and Chimhare died of head injuries on the spot.