adminLovemore Meya Arts Correspondent
THE Book Café has introduced a new youth event “World Music Shortlisted” in its October World Music Festival. The event, which takes place from October 11 to 19, will witness an audition show for emerging artistes who have been shortlisted from many nominations and applications to perform in dedicated slots during the festival.
The music fiesta will coincide with Mbira and Disabilities Discussion forum in the “September Mbira Month”.
Seven hot young groups will feature on the musical festival and will be judged by a panel from the festival’s programming committee representing the Italian Embassy, Pamberi Trust, Culture Fund of Zimbabwe and several prominent artists.
The selected artistes will be elevated to a new level in their careers – the festival stage. Pamberi Trust programme officer Penny Young said some of the groups to audition on the day will include Gwenga, Jam Signal, Gary Tight, African Pride, Soul Bone, Leo Bescotti Trio and Were.
Meanwhile, on the mbira side, the audition show is preceded by a free public discussion organised by mbira player and youth project officer Hector Mugani of Pamberi Trust, and the “Mbiravolution” artistes initiative.
The panel includes Terence Nazare a disabled student at Danhiko who is advocating for music to be included in their curriculum. Ticha Muzavazi, the young poet and mbira player who works with disabled children and is involved in the annual Special Schools Arts Festival, will also take part.
The discussion will be chaired by Masimba Kuchera, director of the Centre for Disability and Development. The October World Music Festival 2013 follows the success of the 2012 October Jazz and World Music Festival, in partnership with the Italian Embassy and other stakeholders.
It has been rebranded to capture a broader range of world music (including jazz) built on cutting-edge and innovative styles and the artistes who dare to break barriers and create fresh artistic products.
The festival will comprise world-class concerts at Book Café, the Italian Club and venues across Harare, as well a film screening, workshops and public discussions.
“Audience support counts, and artists’ friends, fans and families are invited to come out to support their favourites while entry is free,” said Young.
Online Reporter