Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Zimpapers Entertainment Editor
AFRICAN music legend Salif Keita is expected to touch down in Harare late tonight with Congolese soukous queen Yondo Sister expected in the capital tomorrow as the countdown to Ecobank Legends Night Africa 2.0 gathers pace.
The two continental giants arrive ahead of Saturday’s showcase at Alex Sports Club, where they will join an all-star cast of Zimbabwean musicians for a celebration of African music and its enduring legends.
Organiser and Intotal Band founder member, Joseph Chinouriri, confirmed the arrival schedule, saying the international stars will move straight into preparations for the concert.
“Salif Keita is arriving late tonight and Yondo Sister will be here on Thursday,” said Chinouriri. “Once they arrive, we will go into rehearsals. We want everyone to be comfortable with the stage, the sound and the programme before Saturday.”
A press conference has been scheduled for Friday, giving the visiting stars and local performers an opportunity to meet the media ahead of the concert.
“Friday will be an important day for us because we will have the press conference ahead of the concert,” Chinouriri said.
“It will give the artists an opportunity to speak about the show and what fans can expect.”
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwean contingent has already been hard at work, with Intotal Band and other performers spending time in camp rehearsing for the big night.
“We have been in camp rehearsing and working on the arrangements,” said Chinouriri.
“We want to make sure everything is tight before the international artists join us. This is a big production and we are leaving nothing to chance.”
Keita and Yondo Sister headline a heavyweight bill featuring Alick Macheso, Leonard Zhakata, Tanga weKwaSando, Albert Nyathi, Sandra Ndebele, Jeys Marabini, IYASA, Cool Crooners, Mai Patai and Intotal Band.
Chinouriri said the diverse line-up was designed to bring together different generations and genres.
“We wanted a line-up that represents different generations and different sounds,” he said.
“You have sungura, jazz, traditional music, choral music and international African music.
“These artists have contributed immensely to the music industry.”
Macheso brings his celebrated sungura sound, Zhakata his distinctive songwriting, while Tanga weKwaSando represents Zimbabwe’s jazz tradition. Nyathi, Sandra Ndebele, Jeys Marabini, IYASA, Cool Crooners and Mai Patai add further variety to the programme.
“This is about celebrating music and the people who have shaped it,” Chinouriri said.
“We want young people to experience the music their parents grew up listening to, while the older generation gets an opportunity to enjoy it with them.”
Legends Night traces its roots to 2019, when the initiative began as the Tuku Show in honour of the late national music icon Oliver Mtukudzi. It later evolved into Legends Night, broadening its mandate to celebrate Zimbabwean musical legends and their contribution to the country’s cultural heritage.
“We believe our legends must be celebrated while they are still with us,” Chinouriri said.
“This is about recognising what they have given to music and bringing that legacy to new audiences.” With Keita landing tonight and Yondo Sister following on Thursday, the final pieces are now falling into place.
“Everything is on course,” Chinouriri said. “The band is ready, rehearsals are going on and we are looking forward to welcoming our international guests.”
Friday brings the media, Saturday belongs to the legends.
