adminher new album, “Africa”.
The diminutive but energetic young diva’s passion for music will see her embark on a number of live shows in preparation for the DVD launch.
Tonight, Sister Jean will take up the stage at Hwenje’s Village in Glen Norah, where she is expected to reconnect with her fans through dance and song.
This will be probably be her first time to take her act to the Western suburbs, where the fans predominantly are a hotchpotch, and have diverse musical interests.
However, she is undoubtedly expected to give an animated performance, before a capacity crowd, where JM Seasons Band will certainly give revellers value for money.
In an interview, the bubbly and hyperactive artiste said she was unperturbed by the mix of fans, saying the show would afford her an opportunity to reach out to new music fans.
“Music cuts across racial, ethnic and any form of barriers. I am just excited that with this show, I will reach out to lots of people, who had heard about my music, but had not seen me live on stage,” she revealed.
She added that she had a number of shows lined up during the festive season, to promote her album, while preparing for the launch of her DVD.
“I am taking advantage of the shows to promote my album, which is doing much better than my first album. I have since realised that I need to hold more shows, not only in Harare, but in several other cities, before I can sit on my laurels,” she said.
Although she has not yet attained the standards of international female jazz diva’s like Diana Krall, or that of the late South African jazz crooner Miriam Makeba, her performances are quite refreshing and full of energy.
Her music is very expressive and one can almost detect the sadness, joy or even laughter in her lyrics, without necessarily gauging her facial expressions.
Jean has got an awesome stage presence, and is able to move along with her fans, when she is dancing. Those who attended the Ladies Jazz Festival hosted by Jazz 105 can attest that the
diminutive afro-jazz diva has got a high level of ingenuity coupled by talent.
Barely a year since she decided to go solo, after the death of her father Joe Masters, she has proved her mettle and is keen to learn a few things from local artistes, hence her collaborations with several artistes, notably Dino Mudondo, saxophonist Philip Svosve and dendera musician Suluman Chimbetu.
Although I am not an afro-jazz fan, I must admit that I find her music quite palatable, especially the song “Chipo Changu” that she did with Suluman and Real Sounds of Africa lead vocalist, Valor.
In the song, her voice is distinctly mellow and easily blends with Suluman’s acoustic guitar, while creating room for the dendera musician to sing clearly.
Some of the songs on her new album that are exciting to listen to include the title track, “Africa”, “Makare” and “Ndine Rudo” featuring Svosve.
Born in Harare in 1988, Jean first tried her hand in music four years ago, with the JM Seasons Band, a move that was initially met with resistance by her parents.
However, her persistence finally paid off, after her parents allowed her to practise with the band, after they realised that she had deep-seated passion in music.
Barely a year after trying her luck in music, she went on stage during the band’s many tours and fans immediately took a liking to her suave voice.
The day she performed on stage, marked the beginning of her career in music, and she has not looked back.
Although she admits that she is still a novice in the industry, she is determined to work hard and make contribution to the arts industry.
“I had always dreamt of becoming a musician. It just didn’t happen overnight of course – I had to work hard on it.
“Looking back, I am glad I persisted. I just want to work on improving on what I have achieved,” she said.
Online Reporter