Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
ZIMBABWE Jazz Community (ZJC) chairperson Filbert Marova says the organisation is open to constructive criticism to help ensure the survival of their elite genre.
Known for attracting fewer, but highly appreciative mature audiences, jazz has over the years been regarded as a preserve for the elite. Because of this perception, there were genuine fears that it could face extinction in some quarters, but Marova is determined to keep it going.
Marova spoke on the sidelines of International Jazz Day recently held at The Grub Restaurant in Harare.
“As you know, this day is meant to unite, foster inter-cultural dialogue, and promote freedom of expression through song and dance. As such, we are open to criticism from the press so that we can correct our mistakes, if there are any.
“We are determined to ensure that the genre grows, which is one of our main concerns,” he said.
Officially proclaimed by UNESCO in 2011 and initiated by pianist and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock, International Jazz Day has also drawn attention from the local jazz community.
“As players in the jazz community, we have found it worthwhile to celebrate this day through song and dance.
This is the reason why we invited Agga Nyabinde, Prudence Katomeni Mbofana, and Nancy Mutize to come and celebrate with us.
“We came up with this concept to ensure that we promote unity and dialogue in the creative sector, which is needed for continuity. As a sector, we have our own challenges, including a shortage of ideal venues, lack of sponsorship, and promoters,” he said.
Outlining their vision after this year’s edition, Marova revealed that jazz is more than music — it is a way of culture.
“Our goal is to create a high-end cultural experience that celebrates the evolution of Zimbabwean jazz — from its traditional roots to contemporary fusion — while providing a platform for spontaneous creative collaboration.
“We want to ensure that we have more players who pursue this elite genre.
“It’s a genre we want to see more people taking part in, and at this year’s International Jazz Day edition, there was a mixture of seasoned and upcoming talent.”
With improvisation being the norm in jazz, this was evident at The Grub, where fans were treated to world-class music.
Nyabinde, who is also an arts administrator with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, had a good day in office.
The same can be said for Mutize, who was supported by Marova as a pianist.
Nyabinde hailed the commemorations organised by Marova as a success.
