Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
The spirit of musical diplomacy will come alive this September as a new cultural initiative, “Frank Salis Experience – The Zambezi Sessions”, transforms Zimbabwe and Zambia into hubs for cross-cultural jazz creation.
The project, led by Swiss Hammond organist and artistic director Frank Salis, brings together five outstanding musicians from five different nations for a two-week creative residency. Their collaboration will culminate in a vibrant concert tour that ties in with the prestigious Zimbabwe Jazz Festival.
More than just a music tour, the residency aims to promote cultural dialogue and regional connections through jazz, a universal language of improvisation and collaboration.
The international quintet includes: Frank Salis (Switzerland) – Hammond organist and artistic director; Alex Wasily (USA) – trombonist; Max Covini (Italy/Zimbabwe) – drummer; Mr Chanx (Zambia) – guitarist; and Theresa Muteta (Zimbabwe) – vocalist.
Speaking on the initiative, Fanny Gauthier, director of Alliance Française de Harare, one of the project’s partners, said: “This project is more than just a musical tour; it’s an opportunity to create a shared experience, celebrate our differences, and connect through the rhythms of jazz. The Zambezi Sessions is a testament to the power of collaboration. We are incredibly grateful to our partners for helping us realise this vision.”
After a period of joint rehearsals and composition, the group will embark on a Southern African tour, Lusaka – 5 September; Mutare – 7 September; Victoria Falls – 10 September; Bulawayo – 12 September (Zimbabwe Jazz Festival highlight) and Harare – 13 September (festival grand finale).
The residency goes beyond stage performances. Along the way, the artists will conduct workshops in schools and cultural centres, mentoring and inspiring young musicians.
Zimbabwean vocalist Theresa Muteta expressed her excitement about the collaboration.
“I’m very much excited about this project. So far, we’ve been working individually in our own spaces, but we’ll be meeting in a week. Preparations have been good, and I’m looking forward to presenting our work.”
This initiative builds on past collaborations, such as last year’s “Musicians Exchange Session” in Bulawayo, where Covini and Muteta worked with Italian guitarist Andrea Valeri, pianist Marianna Blinova, and local talents like Erastus Nleya, Kinnah The Music, Reilo Viekk, Albinism Konnect, and Tariro NeGitare. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
