Online Reporter
Zimpapers Arts, Entertainment Hub
THE revival of jazz music has gained traction, particularly with the excitement surrounding the Moving Jazz Café scheduled for next week in Bulawayo and Harare.
Jazz musicians and industry stakeholders believe this elite genre, which has been dormant for years, is on the path to resurgence, bringing plenty of anticipation for the future.
This revival is marked by the launch of the Moving Jazz Café, aimed at rekindling the popularity of jazz in Zimbabwe, which saw a decline a decade ago.
Powered by Jazz 105 and hosted by Josh Hozheri in partnership with Mehluli Moyo of Tracy Mason Media, the Bulawayo concert is scheduled for August 8 at Kings Kraal, featuring South Africa-based Louis Mhlanga, Vuyo Brown, Hudson Simbarashe and Gog’Bekezela.
In Harare, the “Distant Lover” hitmaker will take the stage at the Centurion Pub & Grill on August 9, sharing the spotlight with Victor Kunonga, Prudence Mbofana, Philip Svosve and his band Jabavu Drive, alongside the Sub Sahara Tribe Jazz Band.
As a precursor to the major opening event in Bulawayo, the organisers — backed by major sponsors Ingwebu Breweries, NetOne and Romapix Construction — have assured fans that this two-day event will redefine the jazz narrative.
Consistent jazz artistes Victor Kunonga and Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana have echoed the sentiment that jazz is poised to stand the test of time.
Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana
“A lot has been said about jazz and what it used to be over the years, but its shelf life will last forever. Of course, it went dormant when it was overtaken by other genres, but what I can promise fans is that it will never die,” he stressed.
Kunonga, who has remained consistent for over two decades, expressed his delight at being included in the line-up.
“As I said earlier, jazz will keep going and it will continue to evolve. I am also excited to be part of this line-up. To all jazz fans and friends of Jazz 105, this is the perfect time for them to come and enjoy.” He also praised jazz musicians for their innovation.
“I am glad that Zimbabwean jazz reflects what the late Dr Tuku (Oliver Mtukudzi) 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 has made jazz something to look forward to at the Moving Jazz Café series,” he emphasised.
Similar sentiments were shared by Mbofana, who is credited with supporting Kunonga on the all-time classic “Maidarireiko,” which remains as wonderful as ever.
“I would like to thank 105 Promotions and Taz for coming together and giving us this initiative. Jazz, for some reason, had disappeared, but that does not mean the listener ship or audience is going extinct. I am excited to be part of this movement,” shared Mbofana.
In recent weeks, jazz fans were thrilled by the two shows that served as teasers for the upcoming Heroes and Defence Forces Day holidays.
What has increased its appeal is the inclusion of Mhlanga, who is set to rekindle his connection with local audiences. Mhlanga, who has proudly represented Zimbabwe on the international stage since the early 1970s, will lead a line-up of talented musicians in two concerts tailored for mature music lovers. In a recent interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Hozheri expressed that the Moving Jazz Café was designed as a precursor to the holidays, aimed at catering to the jazz community that has been starved of such gatherings since the demise of Jazz 105, which was specifically established for this genre.
“The Moving Jazz Café has been set up to cater to jazz lovers who have been longing for this over the years since we no longer have jazz venues. We are basically catering to a niche market, unlike Sungura and Amapiano, which are meant for the mass market. I am working with Mehluli Moyo on this project, where we are catering to mature music lovers,” stressed Hozheri. “The feedback from the jazz community is overwhelming, with some fans asking us where they can get their tickets early to avoid the last-minute rush.
“Jazz still commands a remarkable following, but we have not held such shows since the demise of Jazz 105, which was well-known as a jazz venue more than 10 years ago.”
Hozheri, who has a good working relationship with Mhlanga dating back to the 1990s, firmly believes the crooner is the right person to lead the new movement he has started.
“Louis is a living legend who has been in the game for years. He has toured the world extensively and commands a lot of respect in South Africa, where he resides,” he emphasised.
His counterpart Taz assured fans that it was all systems go. “We are prepared and we are glad for this partnership,” he said.
However, it should be mentioned that all the attention will be on Mhlanga, who will be coming with a full band for the first time in 30 years.
Over the years, he was typically backed by session musicians each time he performed in Zimbabwe. According to his profile, Mhlanga started playing the guitar at the age of 10, imitating the likes of Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and other rock stars from the 1960s and ‘70s.
