Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE Zimbabwe Jazz Community Trust (ZJCT), in partnership with Alliance Française in Zimbabwe, is finalising preparations for the 2025 Zimbabwe Jazz Festival, promising an electrifying fusion of local jazz legends and international stars.
Scheduled for September 12 in Bulawayo and September 13 in Harare, the festival marks its eighth edition in Harare and fourth in Bulawayo, continuing its mission to celebrate Zimbabwe’s rich jazz heritage while embracing global creativity.
The festival will open in Bulawayo at Alliance Française de Bulawayo with an impressive line-up of acts. Dudu Manhenga, the award-winning Afro-jazz musician, is set to deliver what organisers describe as a world-class performance. Vee Mukarati, the internationally acclaimed saxophonist making waves in Europe, will return home to perform at the event.
The Frank Salis Experience, a dynamic cross-continental ensemble led by Swiss composer Frank Salis, also promises a bold and eclectic mix of sounds. The Tich Makalisa Band, featuring both Zimbabwean and South African talent, will round off the evening with vibrant township jazz.
In Harare, the festival will transform into an eight-hour jazz marathon on September 13 at Alliance Française de Harare. Kicking off at 2pm, the event will feature Mukarati, The Frank Salis Experience, bass virtuoso Josh Meck, genre-defying vocalist Rute Mbangwa, Afro-fusion pioneer Charles “Mahlaba” Banda (Sunduza), township jazz custodians Mbare Jazz, and rising star NokuTenda with The Legacy Band.
A key highlight this year is Frank Salis Experience — The Zambezi Sessions, a ground-breaking cultural exchange project. Salis will lead a five-member ensemble from Zimbabwe, Zambia, Switzerland, Italy and the USA on a two-week Southern African tour, with performances in Lusaka (September 5), Mutare (September 7) and Victoria Falls (September 10), before headlining the Zimbabwe Jazz Festival in Bulawayo and Harare.
ZJCT artistic director Filbert Marova, said the festival remains committed to both innovation and heritage.
“The 2025 Zimbabwe Jazz Festival is a vibrant celebration of music’s power to connect us. This year’s programme blends deep-rooted jazz traditions with forward-thinking creativity, honouring the past while shaping the future.”
Alliance Française de Harare director Fanny Gauthier highlighted the event’s cultural significance.
“This festival builds bridges between cultures through jazz — a universal language of dialogue and creativity. We are proud to support cross-border collaborations such as The Zambezi Sessions.”
Her Bulawayo counterpart, Guillaume Ripaud, said the city’s chapter continues to grow.
“This fourth edition proves the festival is gaining international recognition. Alliance Française de Bulawayo aims to be a hub for artistes from the City of Kings and beyond, and this event underscores that mission.”
Founded in 2016, ZJCT is led by jazz enthusiasts and artistes dedicated to preserving Zimbabwean jazz culture. Last year’s edition, themed Sizzling Rhythms, featured UK-based Zimbabwean musician Paul Lunga and Swiss vocalist Nnavy. The 2025 event aims to surpass that legacy, positioning Zimbabwe as a hub for jazz innovation and cultural exchange.
