The future is bright: Afro-Fresh jazz band

Auxilia Katongomara
Entertainment Correspondent
AFRO-Fresh jazz band are optimistic that their future in the music industry is bright after scooping the first prize at the recently held Bulawayo’s Amazing Talents show finals. The unheralded music outfit took part in the competition for the first time since it was founded three years ago.
For winning the top prize, the youthful outfit pocketed $500.
Afro-Fresh Jazz Band is a nine member group made up of students from the National University of Science and Technology.
The group thrilled the audience with its exquisite jazz flair which could be mistaken for coming from an established musical outfit.
In an interview, the ecstatic group members could not hide their joy and said they are poised for better things to come.
“This was our first time taking part in a competition and we are glad that we made it and we are optimistic that the Lord has more in store for us. The prize money would enable us to add more musical instruments for our group,” said Blessing Guveya.
He said their group is into jazz and has performed at a number of functions at their institution, weddings and churches though they had not recorded any of their works.
“We are a group of young professionals who were brought together by their love for music. We are all composers, one member of the group comes up with an idea and we build up on it,” said Makabongwe Ncube, another group member.
They said due to their busy schedules at school they had not been able to meet and make time to go into a recording studio.
“At first we used to hire equipment, but with time we managed to buy our own. Now we have a keyboard, drums, bass guitar and saxophone,” he said.
The budding artistes said they drew their inspiration from African jazz artistes.
“We look up to people like Oliver Mtukudzi and Hugh Masekela, we don’t want to mimic European musicians, but create our own unique African sound,” said Guveya.
Other group members include Tsepo Ndlovu, Emmanuel Gordon, Triphine Ncube, Nqobile Bhehane, Sanelisiwe Ntini and Namatai Ndlovu.
The group said it was working on recording its debut album in December if it gets sponsorship.