By Tinevimbo Mukarati
This Wednesday, the 3rd of September, NACZ reporter caught up with prominent music promoter Mr Patson Chimbodza, widely known as Chipaz and he shared the chronicles of his showbiz journey from inception to prominence giving some detail on ups and downs, during a Creative Economy Program hosted by Star FM in collaboration with National Arts Council of Zimbabwe.
Chipaz Promotions is playing a key role in advancing Zimbabwe’s creative economy using its platform to promote both established and upcoming artists while running anti-drug campaigns at music events. Chimbodza emphasized the importance of building genuine relationships in the industry, saying he appreciates working with artists who understand the business beyond just money.
Having being in the industry for over 21 years, Chipaz has made a significant impact across all music genres. His brand has helped shape the careers of top local and international artists and he has worked with the likes of late Sungura legend Tongai Moyo, Nigerian superstar Davido, Jamaican Dancehall prowess Charlie Black and our late National Hero Dr Oliver Mtukudzi. The man himself was also behind the Big 5 concept. The motive behind the concept was to unite musicians and giving the fans a treat of all their favourite musicians on one stage.
The promoter started off with one night club called club Chipaz in Chitungwiza. He realized that he was making more money when he booked an artist as compared to an ordinary night without a performer. Being a wise business man with passion, that is when the idea of becoming a music promoter striked his mind. The first major event featured Tongai Moyo and Dr Oliver Mtukudzi.
As a promoter, Chimbodza said that being a promoter is like a business and or gamble. Despite the success, Chimbodza spoke openly about the struggles of promoting music in Zimbabwe recalling a time he almost quit. He credits Tongai Moyo for making the brand Chipaz Promotion known countywide and to Tuku, mentioning one particular case, “At one point Dr Oliver Mtukudzi had to bail me with money for fuel after I made a loss in Mozambique.”
Chipaz said he selects artists based on mutual respect and professionalism. “Even when I’m approached by NACZ to book someone, I consider artists who I have a real connection with,” said Chimbodza. The promoter has cultivated serious levels of trust with artists to an extent that contracts are a mere formality. “For upcoming promoters, they need to have a side hustle to avoid debts and quitting due to financial struggles,” he advised.
Chipaz Promotions worked with female artists like Feli Nandi, Sasha, Diana Samukange and Mai Charamba. “To all ladies out there, don’t give up and level up your game and increase your value. At one time in Mutare, I hired Makhadzi and she proved to be a good business investment”, Chimbodza advised ladies in the music industry.
Beyond music, Chipaz Promotions also supports new promoters like Jack Radicks and leads anti-drug initiatives tied to dancehall culture. Prophet Kudakwashe Jose was among the key voices in the 2025 “NO to Drugs” campaign run alongside the annual Chipaz Cup Clash and he also contributed by donating 2 residential stands for the winners.
Chipaz’s stance is “moudzana udzana” and his parting words were, “hurongwa hwakarongeka hunorongwa nevarongi vakarongeka kuti imi makarongeka muuye makarongeka kuhurongwa hwakarongeka , moudzana udzana.”
