BIG JOSH REVIVES JAZZ SESSIONS
ACE music promoter, Josh Hozheri, has promised to revive jazz sessions.
He told H-Metro that jazz has been his anchor theme over the years, which makes it hard for him quit promoting the genre.
And, after two years of strategising, Josh has assembled a star-studded outfit called Sub Sahara Tribe, which is set to resume live performances today.
The group, which is made up of seasoned and young jazz players, will showcase its stuff at Red Eagle Bar & Grill in Ruwa.
“Sub Sahara Tribe is a rebrand of the old Summer Breeze which was a resident band at Jazz 105. The other notable members, Moses Kabubi passed away, while Fari Sumaili relocated to Zambia.
“I assembled this group with my friend Ignatious ‘Gina’ Kapfunde, who has been with this group for years. He is a boy in his late 70s and he is the one who helped me in promoting some of these legends from the past generations. He was also part of the advisory board at Jazz 105,” he said.
Outlining his plans after months of laying the groundwork, Josh said jazz was here to stay.
“I love Jazz music personally and the genre seemed to be fading. There are no more venues dedicated to jazz and it is my dream to occupy and satisfy our market.
“Jazz connoisseurs would definitely like this venue (Red Eagle Bar & Grill) as they currently have nowhere to go,” he said.
After launching the outfit tonight, Josh has promised to take the band to other venues throughout the country.
“More shows are lined up and they will be dubbed ‘The Moving Jazz Café’ as we will be taking our jazz back to the people. This jazz
outfit does pure jazz with a touch of township and blues. The experience is massive and we have infused youngsters as well for continuity,” he said.
Josh believes jazz has endured since it doesn’t have a beginning or an ending.
The outspoken promoter is credited for giving exposure to a number of artists who have since rebranded, including Jah Prayzah.
In jazz circles, he used to promote the likes of Mbare Trio, Cool Crooners, Prince Edward Jazz Band, Victor Kunonga, Bob Nyabinde and the late Sam Mtukudzi, among others.