adminAt present the organisers are struggling to raise enough money that will guarantee a top-notch festival with regional and local performers as had become the norm.
Festival director Josh Hozheri said preparations were underway.
“We have covered much of the ground work and we promise a bigger and better festival this year. We appeal to the corporate world to chip in as they have done in the previous editions,” he said.
In the previous editions some non-jazz musicians have been invited to play at the festival.
Last year, South African-based Zimbabwean jazz prodigy Max Vidima headlined the festival teaming up with more than 20 Zimbabwean musicians to entertain jazz connoisseurs at the festival that was held over five days.
Max shared the stage with Jabavu Drive, Cool Crooners, Willom Tight, Selmor Mtukudzi, Munyaradzi Mataruse, bass guitar wizard Josh Meck and Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana, who was making her debut appearance at the premier jazz fest.
Apart from Max’s inclusion, the other major highlight of the event was the mix of both old and young musicians, who gave revellers a mixed bag of the genres dating back to the 1960s and 1970s to the modern era.
Men of the moment Suluman Chimbetu and Jah Prayzah also performed at the festival to spice up things with their dendera and contemporary vibes.
This year will see a host of local jazz musicians combining forces to make sure that this annual event is a success.
Local artistes earmarked for the festival include the group Too Open, Steve Makoni, Svosve and Yafele, Bob Nyabinde, Willis Wataffi, Victor Kunonga, Dudu Manhenga, Rute Mbangwa, Mbare Trio, Prince Edward Jazz Band, Cool Crooners, Churchill High, Summer Breeze and Jabavu Jazz Band.
The festival, now in its 13th year, has become the premier jazz event in Zimbabwe and gives jazz musicians a chance to share the stage with some of their international counterparts.
It also provides a platform for identifying, promoting and nurturing upcoming jazz talents.
Online Reporter