Online Reporter
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
IF you didn’t make it to Mara Mara Restaurant in Harare last Sunday, quite frankly, you missed out on the spectacular rebirth of Harare’s live jazz scene.
For a long time, local jazz enthusiasts have been complaining about the lack of authentic, high-quality live music in the capital.
But, on Sunday, the drought finally ended.
Promptly at 5pm, proving that Zimbabwean musicians can actually stick to a schedule when the stakes are high, the stage lit up, and Africherry reminded us exactly what we have been missing.
The event, which marked the triumphant return of the Back2Jazzics bi-weekly showcase, attracted a star-studded crowd of Harare’s affluent jazz aficionados. Scanning the room, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub spotted the likes of Leslie Gwindi, Sydney “Bolt” Hambira, Bert Bondi, Taylor Chieza, Nick Nare, and Alban Bowers, all soaking in the sophisticated atmosphere.
Sponsored generously by the British Council and the Swiss Embassy in Harare, this comeback felt less like a standard gig and more like a cultural renaissance.From the very first note, the band was exceptionally tight, providing a flawless sonic canvas for lead vocalist Sharon Ndlovu.
Sharon was absolute magic, completely in her element as she effortlessly channelled the spirits of Africa’s greatest divas. She took the audience on a nostalgic journey, delivering breathtaking renditions of Dorothy Masuka’s “Mfana Omncane” and Miriam Makeba’s iconic Qongqothwane (The Click Song), before switching gears to completely electrify the venue with James Brown’s I Feel Good. Backed by a cohort of seasoned, heavyweight jazz musicians, her vocal prowess left the audience completely spellbound.“The atmosphere was nothing short of electric, bridging the gap between old-school nostalgia and contemporary jazz execution.”The highlight of the evening, however, was the spontaneous spirit of collaboration.
The band invited several legendary cats from the audience to jam, turning the evening into an unforgettable masterclass. Bert Bondi stepped up first, injecting a raw, soulful energy into a blues jam. Alban Bowers then took over the keyboards, delivering a smooth, sophisticated run on Grover Washington Jr.’s Mr. Magic, followed later by Nick Nare, who also showcased his brilliant touch on the keys. Not to be outdone, Taylor Chieza strapped on the bass guitar to anchor Abdullah Ibrahim’s classic Mannenburg, sending a wave of pure euphoria through the crowd.Complementing the world-class music, the hospitality at Mara Mara was top-tier.
The food was excellent, the service was sharp, and the venue provided the perfect intimate backdrop for the capital’s jazz elite to mingle.
It is refreshing to finally say that real jazz is back in Harare. If this spectacular launch was anything to go by, the local music calendar just got a whole lot brighter.The Back2Jazzics sessions will now run bi-weekly. On May 31, when the next installment takes over, featuring the incredible Vera & the Husbands. The jazz community is a well-knit circle for those who believe in mature music.
