Online Reporter
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE golden era of township Afro-jazz roared back to life at Mara Mara Restaurant in Harare on Sunday as the Bradley Sibiya Quintet delivered a flawless performance.
Headlining the third instalment of the Back2Jazzics series, presented by the Zimbabwe Jazz Community Trust (ZJCT), Sibiya and his ensemble proved that the heartbeat of jazz still pulses strong in Harare.
From the opening note, Sibiya’s tenor saxophone spoke with a voice that seemed to summon the spirits of jazz legends.
His phrasing and tone breathed new life into classics by Winston Mankunku Ngozi, McCoy Mrubata, and the late Kippie Moeketsi, often hailed as the “Charlie Parker of South Africa.”
At moments, the venue felt transformed into a smoky township club of the 1960s, with echoes of John Coltrane and Charlie Parker hovering in the air.
Sibiya’s brilliance was matched by his bandmates.
Trumpeter Tibone Matikiti punctuated the night with clean, precise stabs and solos, weaving seamlessly with Sibiya’s soaring lines.
Behind them, the rhythm section locked into a groove that was both unshakable and alive, providing the perfect canvas for improvisation.
The quintet’s chemistry was undeniable—each musician listening, responding, and elevating the other.
The crowd, modest yet deeply appreciative, was swept into the performance.
Every solo drew cheers, every groove inspired movement.
For many, it was more than entertainment—it was a reminder of the cultural power of live jazz, a genre that thrives on community and connection.
The Back2Jazzics series has quickly become a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s jazz revival, thanks to the tireless efforts of the ZJCT and support from the British Council, the Swiss Embassy of Zimbabwe and Malawi, and Classic 263.
Their collaboration underscores the importance of collective investment in keeping live jazz vibrant and accessible.
If Sunday night was any indication, the future of Zimbabwean jazz is in safe hands.
Sibiya is not just a rising star—he is a torchbearer for the next generation of Afro-jazz musicians.
His artistry, combined with the dedication of the ZJCT and its partners, ensures that township jazz will continue to inspire, evolve, and thrive.
