Weekend of jazz and reggae

Godwin Muzari and Tafadzwa Zimoyo
It will be a weekend of fun with international stars. Jamaica’s Luciano performs at the Glamis Arena at the Zimbabwe Sunsplush affair while South Africa’s jazz legend Hugh Masekela features at the second edition of Ngoma Nehosho Live Session concert at 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale tomorrow.

Luciano arrived in the country on Tuesday and Masekela is expected in the country tomorrow.

While the musicians will obviously perform for different audiences, they will both share the stage with local artists from related genres.

Luciano’s show doubles as a public unveiling of local musicians that were recently appointed Pacific Ambassdors — Suluman Chimbetu, Jah Prayzah, Martin Sibanda and Tocky Vibes — while a number of local dancehall artistes will be on the line up.

Masekela will share the stage with Victor Kunonga and Mokoomba.

Luciano has already promised his fans a memorable act. He did so on arrival at Harare International Airport on Tuesday and he made a reassurance on Wednesday at his welcome party at Private Lounge.

Speaking at Private Lounge Luciano assured fans he would deliver yet another majestic performance.

The Messenger, as Luciano is fondly known, promised to usher out all his artistic verve. So passionate was Luciano that he afforded the packed auditorium a photo shoot opportunity as he cemented relations with his fans.

Organiser of Luciano show Partson Chimbodza of Chipaz Promotions said they have put in place a special programme that would give fans and artistes a flexible platform to interact.

“We are working with various partners to ensure that we put together a flawless show. We have done our groundwork and everything is now in place for the show. We promise nothing but the best and the artistes have indicated that they will deliver memorable acts,” said Chimbodza.

Luciano, who last performed in the country in 2007 after being invited by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, said he is happy to be back in Zimbabwe.

“I wanted to come in December for my initial tour date but my doctors advised me against it because of the Ebola outbreak. I was anxiously waiting for this time to be in Zimbabwe and I promise my fans another outstanding time together,” he said.

Meanwhile, Masekela — affectionately known as Bra Hugh — is set to arrive in the country at 3.30pm today while his band members will come early and land in the capital at 12.30pm.

Some of the songs to look forward to at the 7 Arts Theatre show are “Stimela”, “Grazing in the Grass”, and “Bring Him Back Home”.

In an interview with the Herald Entertainment, show organiser of the 7Arts Theatre gig, Walter Wanyanya, said all is set for the concert.

“I am happy that the day has finally come. The show will be hosted by musician PrayerSoul as we have highlighted before and Bra Hugh will use the opportunity to celebrate his achievements and birthday,” he said.

Bra Hugh turned 76 last week. Wanyanya said the event will start prompt 7pm.

“Fans can still purchase their tickets at selected stores and those willing to welcome the musician at the airport should be there by 3pm. The show will start as scheduled,” he said.

He said Bra Hugh will leave for South Africa on Monday.

“The musician has been in and out of Zimbabwe because of the love for music and his project we are working on together. He is recording an album with some local female mbira outfit and this time the album would be concluded,” he said.

Meanwhile, yesterday Masekela received an honorary doctorate from Rhodes University.

The university spokesman Zamuxolo Matiwana said Masekela was “without doubt one of South Africa’s most successful artists and his influence on world music has been nothing short of phenomenal”.

“The university is ideally placed to acknowledge Masekela’s unique appreciation of the struggles of ordinary people in their movement between town and country‚” Matiwana said.

“Awarding Masekela an honorary doctorate recognises both his inestimable contribution to South African music and its place in the world. It also contributes significantly to the vision of making International Library of African Music at Rhodes‚ a living monument to African musical accomplishment of which Masekela is one of the most formidable examples,” he said.

To date Bra Hugh has more than 50 albums under his name. Last year during his last visit here, he made a revelation that he is of Zimbabwean origin through his great-grand father Munyepawu.