Hot line-up for jazz festival

Zimbabwean Louis Mhlanga and Musopero Vidima.
Josh Hozheri, the organiser of the festival, promised jazz lovers a show to remember.
“The annual event will be running between July 26 and 29. This year we invited foreign artistes from Namibia and South Africa.
“The show will be more exciting since there is a variety of foreign and local artistes in the line-up. There is Victor Kunonga, Bob Nyabinde and Pamela Zulu among others.
“This year’s festival will be different from others in that a number of young jazz artistes are going to be performing,” Hozheri said.
He said this year’s festival would introduce Amara Brown, who is expected to pay tribute to his late father, Andy Brown.
“Amara will be performing for the first time at the festival and Pamela Zulu will be launching her album. Doors are still open for local jazz artistes who wish to participate at this event,” Hozheri said.
He urged fans not to be discouraged by the wintry nights as there would be lots of beverages to beat the weather.
“To warm up lovers of jazz, we will be offering food, drinks and coffee,” he said.
Award-winning guitarist and producer Mhlanga is a self-taught musician who started playing the guitar at a tender age and is considered one of  Southern Africa’s best guitarists.
Mhlanga’s career began in the 1970s. Fronting many bands in Zimbabwe, he mixed American and Zimbabwean influences into his music.
According to wikipedia, Mhlanga became renowned for his guitar skills, and worked with Zimbabwean acts such as Shaka, Talking Drum, Ilanga, Mudzimu and Oliver Mtukudzi.
Mhlanga eventually headed to South Africa to pursue different musical opportunities, leading to collaborations with renowned South African artistes such as Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Ray Phiri, Sipho Mabuse, Mlunhgisi Gegane and Busi Mhlongo.
He admired the traditionally derived pop music of local luminaries such as Thomas Mapfumo. His first recording was not recognised for a whole decade until BMG released it in South Africa in the early 90s. However, his 2001 international debut, “Shamwari”, established him as a rare guitarist able to span African traditional pop and jazz.
Kunonga and Band Peace are a force to reckon with on the jazz music scene. He debuted on the mainstream music scene with an album called “Ndanyengetedzwa: Such is Life” that features a number of renowned artistes including the late Adam Chisvo, drummer Sam Mataure and others.
A talented performer and vocalist, Kunonga’s presence will be more than felt by his legion of fans when he belts out his percussive jazz.
The Winter Jazz Festival is held annually and it is well known for identifying, promoting and nurturing local jazz talents.