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For some reason jazz fans were left wondering where to go or hangout following the demise of The Manneberg, which was exclusive to jazz. This also affected jazz musicians who had no venue to stage their shows while promoters seemingly shunned the genre for more commercial genres like Zim dancehall. Even as The Book Cafe was run by Pamberi Trust, it could not embrace jazz sessions like it used to when The Mannenberg was still there.
Many would recall the days when both The Book Cafe and The Mannenberg were located at Fife Avenue Shops.
Then, the Mannenberg was the place for all that jazz whether the up and coming or the veterans it was the home of jazz.
It is sad that after playing host to groups such as the Luck Street Blues, Jazz Invitation, The Cool Crooners, Louis Mhlanga, Dorothy Masuku, Tanga WekwaSando and the late Fanyana Dube, the Mannenberg closed shop with its rich history of jazz.
Besides being the home of jazz, The Mannenberg was easily accessible to patrons who came from different cultures and backgrounds.
However, it is not all gloom and doom as Misty’s located at the heart of Newlands Shopping Centre is now in the spotlight.
Not only is the venue accessible to patrons, but it has maintained that up market feel for discerning jazz lovers.
Beginning today and every other Thursday, Misty’s comes alive dishing out the very best in local jazz music.
Dubbed the Thursday Jazz Night, the slot is exclusively meant to promote Zimbabwean jazz music.
So far, the venue has played host to such groups as Jazz Invitation, In Total, Tanga WekwaSando, Victor Kunonga and superstar Oliver Mtukudzi.
While these are super groups, the management at the club also want to expose young talent. There will be special features of youthful talents from schools such as Prince Edward and Churchill Boys High.
Other performers will include Patience Musa, Wanai, Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana, Dudu Manhenga, Rute Mbangwa and others will be invited to showcase their vocal skills.
And with time, there will be more days allocated for the jazz movement.
Apart from hosting these Thursday Jazz Nights, Misty’s has also seen a number of performing artistes from other genres launching their album at the venue.
The most recent and successful album launch was by Mic Inity who launched his sophomore “Survivor” at the joint.
Online Reporter