Online Reporter
Amos Mpofu
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ORCHESTRA Mberikwazvo band members Givemore Chokumanyara and Mike Maikoro Adilino have praised legendary jazz musician. Jeys Marabini, for his unwavering support of the arts, particularly sungura music.
The two musicians made the remarks during an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub after their performance at the Winter Braai Festival held in Bulawayo on Friday night.
The event saw Orchestra Mberikwazvo sharing the stage with Utakataka Express, led by Peter Moyo.
Chokumanyara, a veteran drummer in the band fronted by sungura king Alick Macheso, and Maikoro, the outfit’s celebrated lead and rhythm guitarist, described Marabini as a humble, humorous and selfless artist who supports fellow musicians without expecting anything in return.
They noted that Marabini consistently supports Orchestra Mberikwazvo, whenever the band performs in Bulawayo, just as they rally behind him whenever he stages shows in Harare
“Jeys Marabini always attends our shows. He had indicated he would attend this one, but sadly, he had pressing commitments to attend to.
“He is a very passionate supporter of the arts and always gives his support wholeheartedly.
“We really appreciate him,” said Maikoro.
Reflecting on the overwhelming support Orchestra Mberikwazvo continues to enjoy in Bulawayo, Chokumanyara described the city as the band’s “gold mine”.
“We consider the support we receive from Bulawayo as our gold mine.
“We’re delighted by the love and loyalty shown to us by the people here and we’re truly grateful.
“We encourage them to continue supporting Orchestra Mberikwazvo,” he said.
Jeys Marabini, the leader of the Kozekulunge group, has become a regular performer in Harare and is steadily building a fan base in the capital city.
His type of music is a fusion of afro-jazz, accapella, traditional and imbube music which are all a consolidation of sweet melodies from yesteryear Africa up until the present time, blended with modern instruments.
Bongani Ndlovu