adminBrenda Phiri Entertainment Reporter
Classic hits from yesteryear are being kept alive today in local dance floors thanks to afro-jazz sensation Jabavu Drive. The six-member outfit kept a seemingly fun-starved audience on their feet with forgotten hits by music greats over the weekend at Harare’s ZimCafe joint.
Among these was Thomas Mapfumo’s “Vanhu Vatema”, Oliver Mtukudzi’s “Pata Pata” that they spiced up with their own songs.
In an interactive “jiti” styled show the group gave a sterling performance, proving there was no limit to the power of musical instruments.
“Most of our followers are mature and those with an appreciation of timeless music. Because of this we make a careful selection of classics that we fuse with our music. It is ,however, our skills on the instruments especially mabhosvo, that make us stand out from other group out there,” said band leader Philip Svosve. Svosve, who is a brilliant saxophonist, also said his band was doing their best to show the younger generation what music used to sound like in the golden days.
Jabavu Drive came together at the turn of the century and was named after their popular home area, Jabavu Drive in Harare’s Highfield.
With three albums, “Mukomana WeKuseri”, “Jabavu” and “Harare” under their belt it is evident from their calibre of music that they draw inspiration from their rich background of the Highfield community.
“Our love for music united us years ago, growing up in the streets of Highfield,” said Svosve.
It comprises other members Aaron Yasele, a trombone player; Nicholas Mugoni, a bass guitarist; keyboard player Chamunorwa Mangodi together with Kudakwashe Arineshto, the lead guitarist.
They have become a favourite band with many other local joints. They are regular performers in Mutare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls.
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