The just ended run-up to the harmonised elections that will be held across Zimbabwe today proved to be a positive spin-off for several artistes who made a fortune by staging gigs at star rallies held across the country. If anything, the high-octane but short campaign period did not only benefit prospective candidates from the different political parties, who wanted to market themselves to the electorate, but it also registered a positive spin-off for several artistes who performed at these rallies.

Those who were commissioned to play at different rallies - for whatever reason - can attest that they indeed lined their pockets with cash, never mind the popularity they gained after performing before capacity crowds. It was a feat many were not going to achieve on their own, they conceded.

Some of the artistes who showcased their artistic skills at political rallies included contemporary musician Jah Prayzah, Suluman Chimbetu, gospel artiste Mathias Mhere and Allan Chimbetu, while Tryson Chimbetu, urban groover Trevor Dongo and Edith weUtonga took part in the registering to vote campaigns that were targeted at the youth.

Alexio Kawara, afro-fusion group Nehoreka and upcoming musicians who included Aggabu Nyabinde, Joel Likembe and Tinashe "Nendoro" Mupambawashe were last night expected to take part in a peace gig at Book Cafe meant to drive home messages of peace during and after the harmonised elections.

The campaign events saw some artistes performing daily, while others had to cancel other bookings they had made earlier in the day to make way for political rallies which were more lucrative and shorter than their normal performances.

So short but paying was the period, that some artistes wished the period could be prolonged so that they could continue enjoying the benefits that came along with the rallies.

Suluman's manager, Trevor Jakachira, said Orchestra Dendera Kings Company scored a double because they made money and also grew their fan base by staging gigs at some of the rallies.

"We both made money and grew our fan base in the process. Being a business enterprise that is planning on growing its brand, the just ended period gave us an opportunity to market our brand across the country," he said.

Jakachira, however, dispelled the notion that Sulu was partisan, saying he was nothing more than a Zimbabwean who had a duty to carry out, in addition to being a businessman.

"It is, however, important to note and understand Sulu's background. Being a former soldier, he is a patriotic Zimbabwean and will obviously give his services when he is expected to do so, something he executed diligently during the campaign period.

"Being a son of a liberation hero (Simon), it was imperative for Sulu to stage gigs as when he was required to do, and I am glad to say that as a company we also recorded brisk business."

While some artistes were not keen on speaking over the matter, a few who were interviewed confirmed that they had a windfall both in terms of money and growing their fan base.

Gospel artiste Mathias Mhere could neither confirm nor deny that he made money during the period. He, however, said his fan base had grown.

"Tirivashandi vaIshe. Tinonoshumira kwatinenge tadaidzwa sisi.

"Tinongofara kuti vanoteera mimhanzi yedu vari kuramba vachiwanda (We are God's servants who are willing to preach where our messages are needed. I am happy though to say that our fan base continues to grow)," he said.

A well-known urban groover, who refused to be named, said business was indeed brisk during the just ended election campaign period.

"I did not only make money staging lives gigs, but I also made money in recording several commercials that focused on educating the voters about what was required from them during voting.

"As an artiste, I also realised that I can do a lot of things apart from just performing in front of huge crowds," the artiste said.