Jam session: 780 acts later
IT IS Monday evening and one club in the capital is filled to capacity, which is unusual considering the day of the week.
On stage is an upcoming sungura artiste, Mark Ngwazi, whose performance is responsible for the mayhem on the dance floor. While this artiste is not well-known, his ability to rally the crowd with hilarious music is self-evident.
Such a scene has been witnessed every Monday since the inception of City Sports Bar’s Jam Sessions on February 2, 2016.
The concept, which was created to give upcoming artistes the opportunity to showcase their talent has grown in popularity with every session. They have even dubbed it “KaMonday kanenge kaFriday” (a Monday that’s like a Friday) because of its electric atmosphere.
Not only has it given unheralded acts the opportunity to shine, but this platform has also given forgotten yesteryear greats a chance to get back on stage.
Before the introduction if this concept, it was difficult for many artistes to get performance slots with promoters opting to seek the services of established acts. Besides the performance aspect, this has become one the best meeting places for different stakeholders in the arts industry.
Music promoters, artistes, arts journalists, bar owners and even those who provide PA system hire services, to name just a few meet at the Jam Sessions to exchange notes and network.
To date, over 780 artistes across all genres have performed at the Jam Session, which makes it one of the biggest talent promotional platforms in the country. This number is astonishing, considering that this concept has only been alive for a year.
Having started off with as little as four performers for the first session, the number has grown significantly as it now accommodates close to 20 acts for every session.
Many promoters have applauded the programme, which has given them the opportunity to scout for new talent. There are numerous established artistes who have also graced the Monday night show, which has been another factor that has contributed to its popularity.
The blending of both new and old artistes has been a brilliant formula, which does not only give the show a balance but also ensures that young artistes learn from their experienced counterparts. From veteran artistes like Tanga Wekwa Sando to rookie solo acts like Baba Harare, the line-ups are always exciting.
The stage is not only reserved for artistes based in Harare, musicians from all corners of the country participate.
There are numerous young acts including rising star Andy Muridzo, Mbeu and Garry Tight who have used the platform to market their brands.
With Devine Assignments, the parent company of City Sports Bar, spreading its wings across the country, so has the Jam Session concept. Their Club 263 in Bulawayo has also adopted the initiative, playing host to an array of artistes every Wednesday.
The movement turned one last month and a big anniversary celebration has been slated for February 20 at City Sports Bar.
Over 20 acts including the pioneering artistes responsible for the growth of the slot will take to the stage on the day.
Artistes lined up to perform include Talking Guitars, Apama, Kapfupi, Andy Muridzo, Tedious Matsito, Garry Tight, Tendai Chimombe, Kessia, Douglas Chimbetu and Kireni Zulu among others.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail Leisure, City Sports Bar manager Mathias Bangure said Jam Session had been a huge success in terms of giving artistes space to shine.
“Jam Sessions have become the central point for artistes, journalists, promoters, arts managers, advertising agents and corporate representatives to meet and exchange notes.
“This platform has seen many artistes striking deals with music promoters while some have found sponsors who are willing to help them out with their careers,” said Bangure.
He added: “Artistes that include Mbeu and Andy Muridzo have appreciated being put on the limelight by their appearances at these shows. Female artistes have also enjoyed their monthly Diva Sessions, where female groups such as Sipiti and Indoni have risen to prominence.”
Bangure said they intended to implement new ideas so as to maintain the growth of the show.
“The demand out there has resulted in requests by people in the diaspora for us to live stream the shows via internet platforms. Locally it has also created demand for home viewing so we are now looking for partners so that we get to broadcast Jam Session live on TV.”
He said the anniversary celebration was going to be explosive as they had invited some of Zimbabwe’s top acts to be part of the fiesta.
“While we our pioneering artistes are going to be performing on the day, we have also invited other big guns to come and celebrate with us. Some of the artistes we have invited include Winky D, Oliver Mtukudzi, Jah Prayzah, Alick Macheso, Suluman Chimbetu and Bob Nyabinde to mention just a few.”