Staff Writer
South Africa-based Zimbabwean lead guitarist virtuoso — Louis Mhlanga — is expected to perform at the launch of Jazz & Soul Festival scheduled for Sherwood Gold Club.
The inaugural three-day festival will start on May 26 until May 28, 2023 with main act performances starting at 7pm.
Other acts performing at the festival are Victor Kunonga, Diana Samkange, Black Site, WaChari from Mutare, Jeys Marabini from Bulawayo, Selmor Mtukudzi, Benari Note, Xtra Mile, IYF-Koreans and Mbeu and the Mhodzi Tribe.
This is one of the best line up in the country insofar as jazz and soul music is concerned and there is no doubt music lovers will be spoilt for choice.
This is not the first time Sherwood Gold Club has hosted jazz festivals.
And the upcoming festival looks set to draw huge crowds considering the stellar line up of performing artists.
According to music writer Joyce Jenje-Makwenda in her book Zimbabwe Township Music, Mhlanga’s musical artistry rose from family influence, of aunt Sara Mabhokela, an able jazz singer.
He plays guitar for Muzik YeAfrica, which also included the late Jethro Shasha and James Indi. Mhlanga’s career started in the 1970s, he briefly lived in London, where he played with Zimbabwe’s Fred Zindi.
In the 1980s, Mhlanga was with Southern Freeway, with the late brother Willie (drums) and popular flautist Steve Dyer.
“Mhlanga is a gifted guitarist who has created a ‘Louis beat’ which especially identifies with him. He loves his guitar, just the way he strums it,” Makwenda wrote.
“A guitar is a special thing, it’s not just a wood and strings,” Mhlanga was quoted as saying.
In South Africa, Mhlanga has performed alongside Ray Phiri, Vusi Mahlasela, Sipho Hotstix Mabuse, Hugh Masekela, Caiphus Semenya and Letta Mbulu.
About Author
