Online Reporter
Trust Khosa,
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
PROMINENT music promoter, Josh Hozheri, has reflected on how last year’s road accident strengthened his resolve to continue serving the jazz community with distinction.
The incident left him hospitalised just before the inaugural Moving Jazz Café, headlined by Louis Mhlanga, in Bulawayo and Harare in August.
Nevertheless, he has assured jazz lovers that more festivals are on the horizon for 2026.
Hozheri also announced the revival of the 105 Jazz Festival in April, marking it as one of the main events on his calendar.
“Last year was indeed eventful, despite the road accident occurring just two weeks before the Moving Jazz Café, which fortunately went according to plan,” he said.
“I missed the Bulawayo leg of the festival but attended the Harare show, where I felt the hand of the Lord.
“I witnessed God’s love and favour as the jazz community encouraged me to continue with the shows, which were well attended.
“This kind of support is what I have longed for to ensure that the jazz community is not deprived of festivals.”
The seasoned promoter, who is credited with uplifting several jazz players, was pleased with the support he has been receiving.
“Last year I saw my true friends and the fake ones when I was in the hospital and even now.
“The jazz community gave me the love I needed when I was down.
“At the moment, I am still doing my physio on the injured arm, and I can see a positive change,” he stated.
Hozheri reassured the jazz community that his team has planned a busy calendar aimed at revitalising this elite genre, which continues to resonate with mature audiences.
“Lack of shows or big festivals over the years has made it appear as if jazz’s appeal had diminished, but we still have people who love the genre.,” he said.
“Afterward, we will start organising the Moving Jazz Café, which will be held in a series, taking it to other cities after we conduct shows in Harare and Bulawayo.
“It’s a concept that has been embraced by many, and we can’t afford to starve fans of these mega shows.
“Jazz music is associated with mature people and big spenders, and we can’t let Zimbabwean jazz die or go extinct when we still have stakeholders in this community.”
Hozheri, who needs no introduction as a revered jazz promoter, has appealed for partners to ensure that the movement gathers momentum.
“This movement requires partnerships and sponsors, but we are hoping many of them will come on board to ensure that we can bring jazz to all provincial capitals around Zimbabwe.
“In Bindura, Gweru, Chinhoyi, Masvingo, Gweru, and Kwekwe, we still have people who follow jazz, and there are good venues we can fully utilise.”
Recognised as one of the most popular figures in jazz, Hozheri has been consistent over the years and has played a pivotal role in shaping the genre into what it is today.
He has hosted regional and local crooners for many years, even before the closure of his venue, Jazz 105, which served as a one-stop shop for jazz lovers.
The demise of Mannenburg and Book Café in Harare left jazz players in limbo after being closed, highlighting the urgent need for revitalisation efforts in the local jazz scene.
Mathew Masinge