Curtain up for inaugural Manicaland Jazz Fest
IN a new and refreshing development, Manicaland which has been lagging behind in the promotion of the jazz genre and its artistes, is set to host the inaugural provincial jazz festival on April 30.
It’s a new dawn for jazz music in the province as it will lead the way in the growth of the critical genre that captures the hearts of many in the global spectrum.
The Manicaland Jazz Festival, which is the brainchild of National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), will be held at Micasa Pub in the city, and six artistes are billed to headline the event.
In November 2011, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially designated April 30 as International Jazz Day in order to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe.
International Jazz Day brings together communities, schools, artists, historians, academics, and jazz enthusiasts all over the world to celebrate and learn about jazz and its roots, future and impact; raise awareness of the need for intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding; and reinforce international cooperation and communication.
NACZ Manicaland manager, Carol Makoni said all is set for the inaugural edition of the festival urging jazz music.
Artistes billed to perform are Steve Chikotie, Too Open led by Brian Nhanhanga, WaCharie, Sam Mataure and Expressions Band.
“We are glad that preparations of the inaugural event are at an advanced stage. All groups billed to perform are ready for the carnival which is celebrated globally. The festival will coincide with the International Jazz Day which is commemorated annually on April 30, and as Manicaland Province, we are proud to be hosting our own provincial event. The day is meant to create awareness on the importance of jazz music. The festival intends to breathe life to the jazz genre which is not very prominent
in Manicaland.
“Academia and veteran music education teacher, Tendekayi Kuture, who is a retired music lecturer from Africa University, will do a presentation on the history of jazz music and its evolution to the different forms which are being played nowadays,” said Makoni.
Micasa proprietor and co-organiser of the event, Tich Shoniwa said it is all systems go.
“It is our pleasure to host the inaugural edition of the festival. Jazz is one of the most sought after genres across the globe and it is a great development to honour the day with some performances.”
The lineup is a blend of upcoming and veteran jazz musicians.
Brian Nhanhanga, who is now based in Mabvuku where he is also a producer, boasts of more than 30 years in the music industry.
He is the leader of Afro-jazz group, Too Open, popularly known for performing own compositions as well as cover songs.
One of the major highlights of his career was when he played with Ragga Manyika outfit, Assegai Crew, from 1994 to 1996, and recorded the hit album, Zvese Mari, which contains the plug track, Mai Bhoyi.
Born in Mutare’s oldest ghetto of Sakubva’s New Chisamba section, Nhanhanga became popular after releasing the chartbuster, Matida Hostel, on the album Zororo.
He has promised to put up a sterling performance.
“I am glad to be part of the line-up. It is a perfect reunion with jazz lovers in Mutare, and we would like to thank the organisers for honouring the genre with such an event,” he said.
Chikotie, who is a tried and tested jazz musician, said the inaugural fest was a long over-due initiative.
“This is a milestone to jazz music in Manicaland. This is a genre that deserves more recognition. I promise to put up a memorable performance,” he said