Online Reporter
Society Reporter
ARTISTES scheduled to perform at the forthcoming jazz festivals in Bulawayo and Harare believe this is a defining moment for the genre in Zimbabwe.
Local jazz music has seemingly been in a comatose state over the past decade, a situation worsened by the closure of key venues like Jazz 105, Mannenberg and Book Café, which once provided essential platforms for singers to shine and connect with fans.
But the genre’s revival is now in full swing, if the excitement surrounding the “Moving Jazz Café” concept is anything to go by.
This initiative, which is backed by a six-month plan, is expected to rejuvenate the elite genre.
The first step of this rejuvenation will be marked by the official launch of the Moving Jazz Café, powered by Jazz 105 and hosted by Josh “Big Josh” Hozheri, in partnership with Mehluli “Taz” Moyo of Tracy Mason Media.
The inaugural event will take place in Bulawayo on August 8 at Kings Kraal, serving as a precursor to the Heroes Day holiday celebrations.
The show in the City of Kings will feature international and South Africa-based star Louis Mhlanga, alongside Vuyo Brown, Hudson Simbarashe and Gog’ Bekezela.
In Harare, the legendary Mhlanga will also headline the show at Centurion Pub and Grill on August 9.
The multi-talented artiste will share the stage with equally gifted local singers, including Victor Kunonga, Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana, Philip Svosve and his band Jabavu Drive, as well as the Sub Sahara Tribe Jazz Band.
What makes these two events even more special is that, for the first time in over three decades, Mhlanga will be performing live in his home country with his band.
In his previous visits, the celebrated crooner either featured as a solo artiste, joined other local music greats on stage or relied on a session band assembled for him.
Speaking at a press conference in Harare last week, Kunonga expressed optimism, stating that this kind of festival is precisely what the genre needs to regain its sparkle.
“Perhaps what many need to understand, or rather, what I need to emphasise, is that jazz music has been part of Zimbabwean music for long and it is not going to die anytime soon,” he said.
“At one point, the genre was dominant, with artistes like the late Dr Oliver ‘Tuku’ Mtukudzi leading the charge. With the kind of support that we are now getting and with such initiatives like the ‘Moving Jazz Café’, it will not be long before the spark returns. In fact, it is already there, and fans are so eager to be part of the forthcoming events.”
Kunonga added that jazz lasts forever, even though the music has seemingly been overtaken by other genres.
“We have a special way of reinventing our art. A lot has been happening over the past decade when most thought the genre was dead. Jazz will not die.”
He also shared exciting developments: “I want to make it known to my fans that the Victor they knew at Jazz 105 or Book Café is no longer the same as this present one. I am glad that Zimbabwean jazz reflects what Dr Tuku used to do and now there seems to be a lot of innovation. We have also added other instruments like the mbira, and that innovation alone, among other things, has made jazz something to look forward to and exciting.”
Kunonga, a singer who needs little or no introduction, has remained consistent for over two decades.
Katomeni-Mbofana, arguably the local queen of jazz and the voice behind the backing vocals of Kunonga’s all-time classic “Maidarireiko”, said jazz fans will always be there.
“Jazz might, at some point, have disappeared, but the listenership or audience will not go extinct. This is why I am grateful to 105 Promotions and Taz for coming together and giving us this initiative,” said the “Huya Tidanane” singer.
“With this kind of support from promoters and various sponsors, the genre will, without doubt, be revitalised.”
Among the major sponsors of the Moving Jazz Café festivals are Ingwebu Breweries, NetOne and Romapix Construction.
Meanwhile, event organisers have assured fans of a memorable jazz experience.
“Yes, we want numbers, but again, jazz is all about class, hence we are selling limited tickets. Jazz fans do not like crowded places, thus we are organising our events with that in mind,” said Taz.
“There will be five-star treatment both on and off-stage.”
They also provided an update on Hozheri’s status following a recent accident.
“He is recovering well following the accident. Musicians, promoters, family and friends have been visiting him in numbers, and he is in high spirits. In fact, he was telling us that he will be part of the event. We wish him all the best and hope he will be well.”
