Trey Songz arrival adds star power as CRDB Marathon preps conclude
CRDB Bank Foundation Managing Director Tully Esther Mwambapa (centre) poses with American R&B star Trey Songz (right) and Tanzania’s top Bongo Flava artist Diamond Platnumz shortly after his arrival in Tanzania ahead of today’s Imbeju Sauti Moja Concert. PHOTO | COURTESY
Dar es Salaam. Preparations for the seventh edition of the CRDB Bank International Marathon have entered their final stage following the arrival of American R&B star Trey Songz, who has added international entertainment appeal to a weekend combining music, sport and social impact.
The Grammy-nominated singer touched down at Julius Nyerere International Airport shortly after midnight yesterday ahead of the inaugural IMBEJU Sauti Moja Concert scheduled for today at TTCL Grounds, popularly known as Posta Grounds, in Kijitonyama. Trey will headline an international line-up featuring Nigerian Afrobeats singer BNXN, formerly known as Buju, South African DJ and producer Kabza De Small, and Tanzanian stars Mbosso and G Nako.
Speaking shortly after his arrival, Trey said he was excited to perform in Tanzania and meet his fans.
“It’s overwhelming but I’m happy and excited to be here. I’m happy to come and perform. I’m very happy,” he said.
His arrival received an added Bongo Flava touch when Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz welcomed him at the airport. The two artistes have previously met in the United States, where they also spent time together in a studio.
Trey’s visit has, however, gone beyond entertainment after he visited children admitted at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), where some of the young patients are receiving life-saving treatment through funds raised by the CRDB Bank International Marathon.
The singer was accompanied by Managing Director of CRDB Bank Foundation, Tully Esther Mwambapa, during the visit.
The visit gave Trey an opportunity to meet the children and hear about their treatment while seeing first-hand the impact of funds generated through the marathon.
The initiative has helped support children in need of cardiac care, turning the sporting event into an important source of funding for life-saving medical services.
Trey also met young entrepreneurs benefiting from the Imbeju program, an initiative of the CRDB Bank Foundation that provides young people with opportunities in entrepreneurship, financial literacy and access to capital.
The program was established to support innovative businesses and help young Tanzanians turn their ideas into sustainable enterprises.
His engagement with the entrepreneurs gave the American star an opportunity to learn about their businesses, challenges and ambitions, further underlining the social purpose behind his visit.
The concert will officially open a weekend that culminates in the CRDB Bank International Marathon on Sunday.
Organisers say preparations for the marathon are complete, with thousands of runners, families, fitness enthusiasts and corporate teams expected to participate.
Trey is expected to perform some of his best-known songs, including Bottoms Up, Slow Motion, Say Aah, Na Na, Can’t Help but Wait and Heart Attack.
