Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena,
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
LISTENING to Jazz music while sipping wine can be a very enjoyable experience as the mellow sounds can be a perfect complement to the subtle flavours and aromas of wine, enhancing both the hearing and taste senses.
And, if you love jazz so much and are looking forward to such an experience, then the Alliencè Francaise will be the place to be on Friday as they will host jazz maestro Tich Makalisa and Josh Nemaire live on stage.
They will be supported by jazz songbird Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana of the ‘BP Yangu YaKwira’ fame.
Makalima, who is a pianist and composer of note, is expected to bring over 25 years of professional experience at the gig. He honed his craft at the University of Cape Town and furthered his studies in film scoring and audio engineering in London.
His impressive career spans international stages, from the renowned North Sea Jazz Festival and London Jazz Festival to iconic clubs like 606 Jazz Club and Pizza Express Jazz Club.
As he has performed and recorded with a stellar array of artists, including South African Gospel and Jazz muso Judith Sephuma, Winston Mankunku, Marcus Wyatt, amongst others, Makalisa is regarded as a legend.
The crooner, who is now back in Zimbabwe, is expected to inspire the next generation of jazz musicians.
“It’s been a while since I performed in Zimbabwe and the fact that I will be presenting my at craft home, makes me delighted. I am looking forward to the upcoming gig because it’s an emotional homecoming to me. I promise to do justice on my set,” said Makalima.
Josh Nemaire also promised fireworks. At the age of 23, and studying towards a Bachelor of Music (Jazz Studies) at the University of Cape Town, Nemaire is a double master with the double bass and electric bass guitar. He began his musical journey at 10 on the drums, going on to play the bass and keyboard before discovering his passion in jazz and the Upright Bass.
He is a member of the UCT Big Band and Symphony Orchestra and has already shared the stage with South African jazz legends like Afrika Mkhize, Mandla Mlangeni, Mark Fransman, Buddy Wells, and many more.
Having performed at top-notch events like The National Youth Jazz Festival, Makhanda and The Cape Town Big Band Festival, Nemaire is expected to bring a treasure of rich and captivating sound to the show.
“Home is always the best and to be making an appearance at such a show is humbling. “I am looking forward to learning a lot from the legends I will be sharing the stage with, which are Makalima and my sister Prudence.
“Jazz lovers have to come in numbers because it’s going to be an extraordinary gig,” said Nemaire.
