Soweto String Quartet to perform in Harare

Valley tomorrow afternoon in what promises to be a show of a lifetime.
Dubbed “Spring Strings Picnic” the up-market afternoon concert is one not to be missed by music lovers.
The group so named because of the town they hail from, Sweto in South Africa, is made up of four black classical jazz musicians who specialise in African Township jazz music.
They use Western European instruments to come up with a unique African beat whose origins are embedded in the African townships.
The group’s music is also enhanced by the popular Kwela dance, which is practiced by Mbaqanga singers. Soweto String Quartet started in 1980’s after being formed by three brothers, violinists Sandile and Thami and cellist, Reuben Khamese.
Ever since then, the group has been one of South Africa’s top groups, recorded by the reputable BMG Records.
The famous outfit will be supported at the upmarket joint by Essence of Women while afro-jazz diva, Dudu Manhenga will also make an appearance and belt her catalogue of songs.
Born on January 6, the ‘Color Blu’ was influenced by great African and jazz singers. She started performing at the age of 16, and has had stints with musicians like Oliver Mtukudzi, Steve Dyer, Louis Mhlanga, Tanga Wekwa Sando and Dumi Ngulube, among others.
She has performed at festivals HIFA, Winter Jazz Festival, Regional Jazz Festival, African Banking Co-operation Summer Jazz Festival Nguva Yedu Thuba Lethu Youth Festival, Harare Jazz Festival and Grahamstown Arts Festival, among others.
The line-up does not end there as Jazz Invitation, arguably one of the country’s leading Afro-jazz groups, will also perform while the Drum Café also makes their debut.
The concert will see adults paying US$20 while kids will have to spare US10 but the money is worth as the artistes are sure not to disappoint judging by their reputation.