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Legends Sports Diner owner Daniel Masaiti (right) and musician Jean Masters (second from left) hold a birthday cake for Jah Prayzah at the musician’s birthday celebrations in Marondera last year

Tawanda Marwizi Arts Correspondent
When promoter Daniel Masaiti hosts Jah Prayzah at his Legends Sports Diner in Marondera tomorrow, it will be a celebratory party.

The musician and the promoter have both been nominated for National Arts Merit Awards ahead of the awards ceremony that takes place at 7Arts Theatre on February 13.

Jah Prayzah is vying for three awards in all music categories while Masaiti’s Danchip Investments, which runs Legends Sports Diner is a nominee for Special Award in the Best Promoter category.

While Jah Prayzah has been through the experience and previously bagged many NAMA Awards, Masaiti has every reason to celebrate because it is his first nomination.

The promoter has worked with many musicians and says being nominated is good enough to show that people are appreciating his work.

“I owe that nomination to the people in Marondera and the artistes that I work with. I only believe in professionalism,” he said.

Masaiti has been working with local musicians from Marondera for a long time.

Names that quickly come into mind are Josphat Somanje, House of Stone, Faheem Somanje, Afro Roots and some groups from Harare including Herbet Majeke and James Nyamandi.

He has also hosted the top musicians in the country including Alick Macheso, Jah Prayzah and Suluman Chimbetu. Last year he hosted a massive birthday party for Jah Prayzah at his venue.

“Promotion is not defined by hosting big players in showbiz but we also need to take care of these young musicians as we nature them,” he said.

He became a hero in Marondera after he bailed out Somanje following the death of his father Daiton by supporting him financially.

He also assisted Afro Roots a group that made it to “Chibuku Road to Fame” finals.

“When you say I am reviving entertainment in Marondera I should be looking into local groups in the province. My wish is to see these upcoming musicians growing,” he said.

Majeke yesterday hailed Masaiti for his efforts to bring upcoming artistes on the limelight.

“For me he is one man who has managed to work with upcoming artistes well. I have played at his venue since last year and besides paying us on time he always gives us advice that is constructive,” he said.

Somanje said it was a blessing to have such people who have young artistes at heart.

“I take him as my father because he has assisted me a lot in my quest to revive my father’s legacy. He always assists me when I am in need,” he said.

Winning an acting award in 1986 at a school in Marondera pushed Masaiti into art.

Though he took a break after the gong he announced his return to the arts industry two years ago when he started music promotion in the country.