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Explosive!
The above describes today’s jam session for upcoming artistes that will be led by Chikwata 263 and jazz crooner Jean Masters’ at Panzvimbo-The Place in Mbare.By their nature, jam sessions are usually unpredictable, as upcoming musicians usually play improvised or unrehearsed music that may be captivating, entertaining or downright boring.
The session is expected to be an explosive one, where several of these aspiring musicians are expected to learn one or two tricks when they play alongside Jean and mbira punk group Chikwata 263.
“I look forward to be part of the big slam jam that is going to feature a lot of young upstarts from the ghetto. I have seen some of them play and I have got no doubt that they are going to give it their best. The inclusion of Jean and Chikwata 263 should really inspire these kids to do more for themselves,” said Laziey Mangena, aka DJ Spine.
Mixing classic spiky, punk guitar rhythms with the melodies of the mbira instrument, Chikwata 263 have carved out a name for themselves as one of the most fascinating bands to watch.
The four-man ensemble stands out as an ambitious band with a wicked sense of fun. They were voted Mbira Band of the Year by the Mbira Society and were recently praised by Songlines magazine, before they went on to lure their fans at this year’s edition of Hifa.
On the other hand, Jean is no stranger to the entertainment scene, having played at different forums from the time she cut her musical teeth some years ago.
Like artistes of her time, she feels jam sessions are the way to go in mentoring young and aspiring musicians who are yet to record.
“I was lucky that I came from a musical family and I didn’t have to struggle to find my way around. A few years after I started, I got assistance from the likes of VaMtukudzi (Oliver) and Suluman (Chimbetu) who held my hand and taught me all I needed to know.
“So when I get an opportunity to take part in a jam session, I want to impart as much knowledge as I can to the youngsters, so that they can start working on their musical projects,” she enthused.
The jam session will start just after noon and will run well into the night.
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