Poor turnout mars Winter Jazz Festival

local artistes with Max Vidima, being the only foreign-based big name.
The four-day festival played host to a diverse line-up of musicians — both young and old —  who made the festival worthwhile.
“I think in terms of performances we had a brilliant line-up of artistes who put up excellent acts. Special mention goes to Suluman Chimbetu, Amara Brown, Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana and Max Vidima who were all outstanding.
“As for guitarist Vidima I think he delighted fans with his guitar playing skills which were out of this world. Overall, the festival was a resounding success but we still want to take it to another level,” Josh Hozheri, the organiser, said.
The festival, which is held annually at the premier jazz spot — Jazz 105 — attracted some of the old timers in the genre among them the Cool Crooners and Mbare Trio who brought the mature feel to the festival.
Mbare Trio, which is fronted by Friday Mbirimi, did their thing before Austin Zvoma, joined them on stage. It turned out that the “old skool” folks still got their groove on when they performed their favourite classics —“Gaba Remanyuchi,” “Tinobva Mbare” and their own rendition of “Anodyiwa Haataure” by the late System Tazvida.
Equally entertaining were the Cool Crooners who looked great in their matching suits just like in the good old days.
Amara Brown, the daughter of the late maestro Andy Brown, thrilled the crowds that turned up on the first day of the festival with an amazing delivery featuring the voices of Adiona Maboreke and Patience Musa.
Dudu Manhenga, Jean Masters, Prudence Katomeni and Victor Kunonga made their presence felt with their well polished acts.
Kunonga, who fronts the Band Peace, had the crowd up on its feet with his percussive flavour. Although the group has been trimmed to just four members — a drummer, bassist, lead guitarist and acoustic played by Kunonga — the music still sounded fresh.