Artistes celebrate World Music Day

Today, the world is celebrating World Music Day, which is set aside to honour the artform that plays an important role in everyone’s lives.

The annual celebration observed on June 21 around the world was first observed and celebrated in 1982 on the Summer Solstice in France when the former French minister of art and culture, Jack Lange, along with Maurice Fleuret came up with the Fête de la Musique in Paris. That is why World Music Day is alternatively known as Fête de la Musique.

To celebrate, Alliance Française de Bulawayo has lined up a celebratory concert on Friday and is inviting every music lover to come and celebrate the art-form.

A free five-hour-long World Music Day Concert has been lined up at the Alliance offices in Suburbs (61 Heyman Road).

Guillaume Ripaud, Alliance Française de Bulawayo director said La Fete de la Musique (World Music Day) is now celebrated the world over. “It’s now celebrated everywhere in the world including here in Zimbabwe,” said Ripaud.

Ripaud said the local celebrations will have performances from artistes such as Jeys Marabini, Charles Mahlaba-Banda, Image Music, Chipo Kay, Nomsa Amuli, Israel, and Aufait among others.

“Ezimnyama Dance Ensemble will also be part of this event, as dance and music go perfectly together,” shared Ripaud.

Jeys Marabini who performed at last year’s celebrations in Harare said it is an honour for him to perform at the event once again.

“I’m looking forward to sharing the stage with other musicians. It’s always a pleasure to make music and enjoy what you do. We’re going to deliver and people should come and witness for themselves what we do best,” he said.

Marabini thanked Alliance Française for organising the event to honour them.

“It’s always an honour to work with the Alliance Française as they are well organised. They’re doing their best to uplift the music industry and musicians in the country.”

Mahlaba-Banda, a jazz musician and music composer said he is also excited to be part of the World Music Day celebrations as well as sharing the stage with living legend Jeys Marabini.

“The day is important as it is commemorated to emphasise the value of music and its benefits. It’s a day for us to enjoy with people and for artistes to perform and sing their hearts out,” said Mahlaba-Banda.

He said those attending the celebrations will be in for a rare treat. “Patrons at the celebrations will get to sample my new sound as I’m preparing to launch my second album this year.”

Aufait who calls herself Bulawayo’s rap unicorn, in commemorating the day said her voice has unified people.

“I’ve brought my people to iconic levels all the way to the other side of the continent with my voice because I’m Aufait (well-versed).”

Another songstress, Nomsa said she is looking forward to the celebrations as music is her true love.

“I believe music is one of those things that makes life beautiful and worth living. I’m thrilled to share my voice and music with the world and looking forward to my first performance at Alliance.”

Reflecting on the World Music Day celebrations, rising artiste, Tye the Royal, a singer and poet said his aim is to change the Bulawayo music industry by ensuring up-and-coming artistes are given a platform.