Peter Tanyanyiwa
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts, Entertainment news
Jazz virtuoso Louis Mhlanga has arrived in Zimbabwe ahead of the two legs of the Moving Jazz Café series, set to take place in Bulawayo and Harare this weekend.
He was welcomed at Joshua Nkomo International Airport by co-organiser Mehluli “Taz” Moyo from Tracy Mason Media.
Taz is co-hosting this two-part jazz event alongside Josh Hozheri of Jazz 105, who was recently discharged from the hospital after a car accident.
Accompanied by his original band, Mhlanga has come early to hold rehearsals in preparation for performances in both Bulawayo and Harare.
The Bulawayo concert is scheduled for today, August 8, at Kings Kraal.
The event will feature notable artistes from the region, such as Vuyo Brown, Hudson Simbarashe and Gog’Bekezela. This trio has been mesmerising jazz lovers in Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and other parts of Matabeleland with their absolute finesse.
In Harare, Mhlanga — known for timeless classics like “Distant Lover,” “Lover,” “Shamwari,” “Kugarisana Nevamwe Zvakanana,” and “Take Mee” — will perform at the Centurion Pub & Grill on August 9.
He will share the stage with Victor Kunonga, Prudence Mbofana, Philip Svosve and his band Jabavu Drive, and the Sub Sahara Tribe Jazz Band.
Show spokesperson Hozheri was ecstatic as the jazz festival is ready to rumble.
“Louis is on time and has just arrived according to schedule.
We made sure that he arrives earlier so that Taz can take him around Bulawayo for some press interviews and of course a rehearsal.
“He come with his full band and we can only anticipate fireworks on Friday and Saturday this weekend,” shared Hozheri.
“Louis is a professional guy who values his work and that is why I roped him.
“One of his original band members, Sam Mataure, has since left for Bulawayo, where he will reunite with Mhlanga,” Hozheri shared.
“We have decided to kick off the tour in Bulawayo because it remains a nursery for jazz, where the likes of the Cool Crooners and other jazz outfits emerged. Bulawayo is not only an arts hub but a jazz hub as well, with many players from the City of Kings. It’s an opportunity for fans to come and watch the best we have in jazz circles.”
The affable arts promoter spoke highly of Mhlanga’s professionalism.
“It’s very rare nowadays to find professionals of Louis’ calibre, who uphold professionalism as he does. For the benefit of many, this time around, he will be coming back home for the first time in 30 years with a live band. Over the years, he used to enlist session musicians each time he performed in Zimbabwe and this weekend, we should brace for a beautiful experience of jazz where he will be backed by his band,” he stated.
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.
In a recent interview, Kunonga and Katomeni-Mbofana promised fireworks in Harare. A lot is also expected from their counterparts in Bulawayo, who have ensured that jazz remains relevant to this day.
“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,” Kunonga said.
His counterpart Mbofana, who is credited with supporting Kunonga on the all-time classic “Maidarireiko,” was excited to be part of the line-up. “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.
Mhlanga, who has proudly represented Zimbabwe on the international stage since the early ‘70s, will lead a line-up of talented musicians in two concerts tailored for mature music lovers.
His visit back home is a genuine reminder that he still holds his kith and kin at heart.
He arrives at a time when the revival of jazz has been a hot topic in Harare and Bulawayo.
The decline of jazz was exacerbated by a shortage of venues, promoters, and sponsors who value this genre.
Most promoters prefer hosting artistes from other genres like reggae, sungura, Amapiano and Zimdancehall.
However, it should be noted that all eyes 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 per-formed 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.
He also studied both Southern and West African guitar traditions and successfully incorporated the traditional mbira (thumb piano) patterns of the Shona people into his unique modern electric guitar style.
Online Reporter