AFRO-JAZZ musician Jah Prayzah, pictured, says Pacific Cigarette Company (PCC) gave him his first major corporate endorsement, which also helped to extensively shape his career.
The development also comes as the regional superstar has released his 10th album — Gwara — and the Uzumba-born crooner revealed this at businessman Adam Molai’s 50th birthday gig in Cape Town at the weekend.
“My first ever big and meaningful endorsement deal came from Savanna Tobacco (Pacific) back in 2015. Game rese rakabva rachinja (everything changed) after that..,” Jah Prayzah, who has gone on to ink deals with other corporates including Philip Mataranyika’s Nyaradzo Group, West Properties Zimbabwe, Securico, Nash Paints and Pure Drop, said.
On his part, Molai is an African industrialist with interests in tobacco processing, fast moving consumer goods, beverages manufacturing and other sectors.
While his TRT Investments has launched a US$2 million fund to support continental entrepreneurs, the serial deal maker also runs an extensive philanthropic programme under his Molai Foundation.
On Tuesday, Jah Prayzah’s manager Keen Mushapaidze, said the singer was restricting himself to representing not more than four corporates at a time despite the high demand for his signature.
“Because of JP’s status in society. . . so many companies are knocking on our doors, but we weigh advantages (and) see or evaluate if some of those offers can add value to the brand. When we represent an organisation, we strive to give our best,” he said.