Online Reporter
Prince Mushawevato
Society Editor
STARVED jazz music lovers are in for a rare treat next month.
For the first time in more than three decades, celebrated jazz crooner Louis Mhlanga will be performing live in his home country with his permanent band.
In his previous visits, Mhlanga has either featured as a solo artiste, joined other local music greats on stage or relied on a session band assembled for him.
The late Kelly Rusike and revered drummer Sam Mataure were often tasked with putting together these session bands for the jazz maestro.
However, many of his local fans have long yearned to see the singer live on stage with his actual band, having experienced the group’s chemistry and magic through various online platforms as they perform far and wide around the globe.
Mhlanga himself is delighted by the prospect of reconnecting with his fans, alongside his original band.
“This is certainly going to be an experience! It will be a festival to remember, not only for the fans but even for myself,” Mhlanga told The Sunday Mail Entertainment in an exclusive interview from his South Africa base.
“Since 1990, I have never played in Zimbabwe with my real band, the one that I have worked with for over 20 years, including Sam (Mataure), who sometimes joins us when he visits this side.
“I have had the opportunity of working with session musicians each time I visit.
‘‘However, the act would not be as solid as I expect. It is unfair for session musicians to expect them to grasp a concept, say, in two days.”
The renowned multi-lingual singer and songwriter last performed in Zimbabwe in 2023 when he was invited to be part of Plaxedes Wenyika’s album launch.
The “Moving Jazz Café”
Mhlanga points out that he is indebted to seasoned music promoter and businessman Josh “Big Josh” Hozheri for affording him this rare opportunity.
Hozheri, through his Jazz 105 Promotions, has revived the Jazz Festival following a 10-year hiatus.
The promoter announced that he will host two major jazz events next month, one in Bulawayo and the other in Harare, under a new concept dubbed “The Moving Jazz Café”.
This concept was adopted because Hozheri no longer has a dedicated venue like the former Jazz 105 in Harare.
The first comeback event will be held at The Kings Kraal in Bulawayo on August 8, featuring performances by Gog’ Bekezela; the legendary Hudson Simbarashe; Vuyo Brown; and Mhlanga, who will be the headline act.
The following day, August 9, the show will move to Centurion in Harare, where Sub-Sahara Tribe; Jabavu Drive; Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana; Victor Kunonga; and the international icon Mhlanga, who will again be the main act, will perform.
“I am grateful that Josh Hozheri has extended an invitation for me to headline the upcoming shows.
“This is particularly exciting because, on my previous visits, I would come alone and work with our great local musicians on short notice,” notes Mhlanga.
“This time, I get to bring musicians I have been working with for years.
‘‘Talk of Randal Skippers on keyboards; Basi Mahlasela on percussion; Michael Phillips on bass guitar; and Sam Mataure, who will be joining us. It is going to be fantastic.”
Mai Chisamba factor
Apart from his pulsating stage work and enchanting compositions, Mhlanga is known to many locals for the song “Distant Lover”, which serves as the theme song for the Mai Chisamba Show.
The mention of the track brings him joy.
“The song is indeed called ‘Distant Lover’, and I am happy that Mai Chisamba (Dr Rebecca Chisamba) fell in love with it and used it for her television programme. She spoke to me about it and I am glad she is utilising it for her show,” he said.
The award-winning singer, producer and self-taught guitarist was born on November 10, 1956, and has been based in South Africa since 1990. His music career began in the 1970s.
Over the years, Mhlanga has worked with some of Africa’s finest musicians, among them Thomas Mapfumo, the late Oliver Mtukudzi, Sipho Mabuse, Mlungisi Gegana, the late Hugh Masekela, the late Busi Mhlongo, the late Miriam Makeba and the late Ray Phiri.
His solid and exhilarating performances have seen him grace different stages across the globe.
“I am a musician and guitarist who enjoys the journey of music. Playing with other musicians has allowed me to travel and meet new people.
“I have been inspired to compose music, releasing several albums available on digital stores,” said the singer.
“I have had the privilege of working with many talented musicians. These experiences are not only about creating music but also about exchanging knowledge and stories. Being with other musicians is a learning curve and we share insights about our lives, music and the business.”
New projects
The singer believes music is a living, breathing entity, constantly evolving, especially with the vibrant energy of young artistes.
“Music is meant to uplift spirits in a positive way, and that, I believe, is what truly matters,” he said.
Mhlanga recently released a duo project with Jimi Indi, his “brother-in-law” and surviving original member of the iconic trio Musik Ye Afrika.
“Our collaborative effort, ‘Sweet Sounds’, is now available on all digital stores,” he revealed.
“In addition to this, I have been revisiting a 30-year-old project called the ‘Afrikan Axemen’, featuring an impressive line-up of musicians from across the continent, including Jethro Shasha, Jimi Indi, Mfaz’omnyama, Duncan Senyatso, Simi Zeko and Lesego Mpolokeng.
“The album was recorded 30 years ago and we are currently fine-tuning it in the studio for its long-awaited release. Then, I am putting the final touches to my solo album, ‘I Love Afrika’, which will be a more vocal-centric album.”
The first single, titled “I Love Afrika”, is already out, and the singer is looking forward to sharing the songs with jazz aficionados during the two-day “Moving Jazz Café” festival next month in Bulawayo and Harare.
The soft-spoken singer spared some time to briefly talk about himself and his family.
“My father is from Chipinge and my mother is from the northern part of South Africa. This diverse background drew me to South Africa, where I have built a life and career.
“I have family ties in both countries and I visit Zimbabwe often to pay respects to my loved ones who have passed away. Likewise, I have my own family and my children grew up surrounded by music. They have developed a love for it and my young son is pursuing his own path and dreams.”
To date, Mhlanga has released 15 albums – 11 studio recordings and four live performances.
“My latest double CD guitar album is titled ‘Living for the Living’, and it is available on digital stores. Each of my albums tells a different story, making them all special to me. I have no favourites,” he concludes.
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter