Auntie Dot tops the bill

edition of the Harare Jazz Festival scheduled for April 14, 16 and 17.
Jazz lovers should expect a mix of sophistication and glitz on stage as top-drawer performers turn on the style.
Masuka popularly known in music circles as Auntie Dot will also receive an award for her unmatched individual contributions to township jazz in Zimbabwe as well as the region.
Presenting the awards will be Hugh Masekela aka Bra Hugh, one of South Africa’s greatest trumpeters whose music has bridged the struggle for liberation with the sweet song of “Tomorrow”.
The man is certainly going to “Bring it back home” with his husky voice.
But Auntie Dot’s will be rewarded for her music that has influenced and impacted many regionally and internationally.
She was born in Zimbabwe in 1935 of a Zambian father and a Zulu mother.
Her family moved to South Africa when she was 12 and by the time she was 19 she was already touring in South Africa with some of the most popular musicians of the time.
Her music was popular right from the 1950s and some of her recent albums include Lendaba (Gallo Records 2003), The Definitive Collection (Wrasse Records 2002), Mzilikazi (Gallo Records 2001), Magumede (CA Records 1998), Hamba Notsokolo (Gallo Records 1995) and Pata Pata (Mango 1990).
Also to be honoured are the granddads of jazz the Cool Crooners as well as Lina Mattaka.
Lina is a trailblazing pioneer of women’s creativity and participation in Zimbabwe’s music industry.
She is a celebrated soprano and organ player who started her career in Bulawayo in the 1930s. This was a period when society frowned upon women who entered the music industry and public performance outside the church and traditional ceremonies.
Through her determination and hard work she helped change society’s attitude and perception, opening doors for today’s female musicians.
Lina entered the music scene as a musician in her own right.
She was part of the groups The Bantu Glee Singers, The Queen of Soprano, before she later joined her husband, the late Kenneth Mattaka in The Bantu Actors.
Sam Mataure, the founder and artistic director of the festival, said it was befitting to honour the musicians for their contributions to the genre.
“We found it fitting to honour these celebrated jazz personalities for their unmatched individual contributions to township jazz in Zimbabwe and the region.
“They inspired generations of musicians and set the standards that today’s musicians follow,” Mataure said.
The three-day festival will start on April 14 with the awards ceremony and then break on April 15 and resume on April 16 at the Rainbow Tower’s Gardens starting at 4pm until late in the evening.
On the bill are Amanda a la Banda, an Italian Band, which has thrilled audiences across the world with their soothing blend of jazz, Auntie Dot, Tanga WekwaSando, the Cool Crooners and African Voices, a vibrant Zimbabwean outfit.
To spice up the line-up will be Oliver Mtukudzi and Hilton Mambo aka Dr Bobo who will be behind the turntables between intervals.
There are two artistes one from Nigeria and another from South Africa who are yet to confirm their participation at the festival.
Last but not least, the festival is expected to end with a free for all gig in Highfield on April 17 featuring the best of the best on the local jazz scene.
The gig starts at 2pm right through to 10pm and on the bill are groups such as Jabavu Drive, Seasons Band, T- Connection Jazz Band, Cannibals, Overdrive and Summer Breeze. Now in its third year, the festival is set to grow as it absorbs new genres, new cultures and new vibes in line with international trends and to reach a wider audience.