adminMelissa Mpofu Showbiz Editor
BULAWAYO jazz outfit Cool Crooners stole the show at the spectacular Harare International Festival of the Arts (Hifa) opening night ceremony held at the Harare Gardens on Tuesday night. What made the jazz granddaddies act special was their melodious and tantalising vocal prowess. The Ibhulugwe lami hit makers’ energy on stage sent the crowd into a frenzy. One of the band members challenged the group which performed after them saying “let’s see how the young ones will perform” and indeed the young ones failed to impress as the queen of Afro pop Netsayi and her Black Pressure band were quite a yawn showing that old skool is still a force to reckon with.
As if that was not enough, Oliver Mtukudzi also went on an old skool tip when he sang his hit track Perekedza Mwana with Cynthia Mare and Ammara Brown. Crowds especially foreigners were uncontrollable and visibly amazed as they watched their star performing with quite a lot of energy.
With musical direction by the able South African saxophonist, Steve Dyer, the show was anchored by soulful diva, Cynthia Mare and Idols East Africa 2008 finalists Adeona Maboreke and Brown. Zimbabwe’s fast rising drummer, Blessing Chimanga, was not to be outdone as he showcased his talent which was appreciated by the crowd.
Running under the theme Switch On, the opening night mainly featured acrobatic acts from Australian acrobats who pushed their physical limits without reserve. The group took people’s breath away as their performance was raw, frantic and delicate.
As usual, the open air Coca-Cola green stand is a hit among music lovers as it is the venue for diverse live musical performances and mouth-watering food stalls strategically positioned around the venue.
The Hifa action continues with spoken word poets, Umncantsha from Matabeleland South performing at the Hifa Spoken word programme at Hivos Poetry Cafe today. The group fuses djembe, hosho, whistle, chants and modern poetry.
Lovers in time, a surreal comedy which is currently at the centre of controversy because of its content with some producers seeking its ban, will show again at the Standard Theatre today. The comedy, which was directed by United Kingdom-based Dr Petrowska, mocks the murder of spirit mediums Ambuya Nehanda and Sekuru Kaguvi. Kunzwana, a product of Austria-Zimbabwe friendship, will see artistes such as Hope Masike, Josh Meck and Chimanga collaborating with innovative Austrian musicians for a show tonight. Cape Verdans singer and guitarist, Tcheka will be one of the highlights of the festival tonight. Those who did not get enough of Chimanga at the opening show will have another chance to watch him perform live today at the Lays Global stage.
Tomorrow, festival goers will dance the night away with Congo’s Black Bazaar group which will perform dancehall rhumba. South Africa’s singer and pianist, Toya Delazy and her phenomenal band will light up the festival on Saturday with a performance on the Telecel Main stage at Harare Gardens.
In a move meant to promote and develop the local arts industry, Hifa will from tomorrow host workshops for the public for them to appreciate the arts. Here they will have an opportunity to interact closely with the artistes performing at the festival.
Online Reporter