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Soko ‘Sharky’ Matemai

Brenda Phiri Entertainment Reporter
Maria Paradza, the mother of 20-year-old cancer patient Takudzwa Paradza, who will travel to India for treatment this week, is grateful for the support they have received in the past few weeks.

Paradza poured her heart out during an “Answer the Call Fundraising” concert that was held in her son’s honour at Mount Pleasant Hall over the weekend.

“I am overwhelmed,” she said to the youthful audience. Funds raised at the concert helped reach the $25 000 target which is needed for Takudzwa’s treatment.

“I am grateful to everyone who answered Taku (Takudzwa)’s call for help. Unfortunately he could not be here tonight because he is not feeling well.

“But I know that it is well because we have had people to lean on, all this time. We secured our visas and tickets and we will travel to India on Tuesday”.

The gig that was organised by Rufaro Makondora and friends, hosted scores of artistes who performed for free, except for dancehall music star Killer T who discounted his fee.

Despite doing it in the name of charity, the artistes gave a polished act that thrilled the crowd.

Artistes like Trevor Dongo, Sanii Makhalima, Leonard Mapfumo and Xtra Large also made an impromptu appearance and thrilled guests on stage.

They added sass to a line up that comprised former Big Brother Africa housemate Jerome JJ Arab, Tehn Diamond, Soko “Sharky” Matemai, Juwela, Killer T and Team Mular.

This was despite glitches that saw award winning duo, Soul Afrika pulling out at the eleventh hour.

According to Makondora, Soul Afrika felt the show was not organised well enough, which made them to snub the concert.

Meanwhile, Takudzwa and his mother are travelling to India tomorrow for a bone marrow transplant after well-wishers donated towards their cause.

The biggest donor was CBZ Bank that put up $15000 towards the trip.