Aunt Dot in Bulawayo fundraising gig for less privileged

Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
SOUTH Africa’s jazz icon Dorothy “Aunt Dot” Masuka is expected in Bulawayo tomorrow for the Bulawayo International Jazz Invitational – a fundraiser for vulnerable groups in society.

Aunt Dot who was born in Bulawayo will be joined on stage by SA actress and singer Abigail Kubeka, former SA Idols judge Mara Louw, Oliver Mtukudzi, Jeys Marabini and dub poet Albert Nyathi.

Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko will be the guest of honour at the event that will also see jazz veterans Cool Crooners and Bulawayo Kwela perform.

The show taking place at the Bulawayo Country Club will see ordinary tickets being sold for $50 each with a table of 10 costing $1,000.
Advance tickets are on sale at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair grounds.

Bulawayo International Jazz Invitational patron – Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Nomthandazo Eunice Moyo said: “The show is meant to raise funds for those less privileged people in society in Bulawayo. So I encourage people and corporates to come in their numbers to help the elderly who can’t fend for themselves and children in society,” said Moyo.

She said they were hoping to make the Jazz Invitational fundraiser an annual event.

“After the show, we’ll announce who’ll benefit from the fundraiser which we’re hoping to hold annually,” she said.

Aunt Dot will be awarded for her contribution to the arts industry during the event.

“We want to recognise Aunt Dot with a Lifetime Achievement Award as she contributed immensely through music even during our liberation struggle where she sang the song Tinogara Musango Senherera,” said Moyo.

Moyo said Bulawayo was the ideal venue for such an event as it has a decorated history of jazz music.

“Back then, townships such as Makokoba were a hive of activity as there were many shows that were held there with groups such as the Cool Crooners.”