Staff Writer
Jazz music lovers are in for a pleasant surprise this weekend at the much-anticipated Zimbabwe Jazz Festival scheduled for Bulawayo and Harare.
Presented in partnership with Alliance Francaise the Bulawayo edition is scheduled for Friday 20 September 2024 while in the capital Harare the show will be held on Saturday 21 September 2024.
Organisers promised Jazz-lovers the “real deal in its vivid array of colours, with something for everyone from blended R&B, soul and jazz influences, to the fascinating improvisational style of veteran afrojazzists.”
They said young groups will be incorporating some of the rich, diverse music styles of Zimbabwe; beloved jazz singers, home-grown grass roots improvisation, top class classics from jazz masters of the country, and up-and-coming youngsters already entering the festival stage.
Headlining the festival are two exceptional artists, guest singer/songwriter, the widely acclaimed Nnavy (Switzerland), courtesy of the Embassy of Switzerland), and Zimbabwe’s own jazz luminary, trumpeter Paul Lunga, well-travelled in the last several years.
Alongside Paul Lunga and NNavy – who are performing at both events – are, in Bulawayo on Friday 20 September: George Phahlane, and Ngoma iNgoma; and in Harare on Saturday 21 September (in order of appearance, one hour sets from 3pm): Hellenic Academy Big Band, Steve Chikotie, Rhythmic Pulse, Nnavy, Paul Lunga, Prudence Katomeni Mbofana and Agga Nyabinde.
Both events are hosted by longstanding valuable partners Alliance Francaise who have been hugely supportive of jazz and other arts in Zimbabwe for many years, in Harare at 328 Herbert Chitepo Avenue, 2-10pm (US$20), and in Bulawayo at 61 Heyman Road, 6-10pm (US$10). Special thanks go to the Embassy of Switzerland in Zimbabwe for supporting the performance of Nnavy, who is sure to be a great delight for Zimbabweans.
People of jazz are advised to get tickets in advance from the Alliance Francaise offices, to avoid disappointment in the event of soldout events.
FREE MUSIC WORKSHOPS
In the week leading up to the great performances expected at the festival, networking and valuable workshops will be taking place, free for all:
Wed 18 Sep, 2-4pm – HARARE – SCHOOLS MUSIC WORKSHOP by Nnavy at Prince Edward High School – an excellent opportunity for music students from schools to learn from this renowned artist who has reached the world.
Thursday 19 Sep, 5-7pm – BULAWAYO MUSICIANS WORKSHOP – by Paul Lunga – for all musicians interested in exploring jazz and the art of improvisation – at Alliance Francaise de Bulawayo.
Steve Chikotie
Hellenic Academy Big Band
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