THE SIXTH edition of the annual Zimbabwe Jazz Festival commences on Friday in Bulawayo and ends in Harare on Saturday in what is scheduled to be a ‘local’ jazz treat.
Running on a theme centered on ‘local flavor’, the festival is being presented by the Zimbabwe Jazz Community Trust (ZJCT) and the Alliance Francaise.
Festive artistic director, Filbert Marova confirmed to EnterSportNews all is well and in order as they have covered all the basics and expect to have a flawless festival.
“We are glad to be able to not only bring in South African-based Max Vidima but to also do an exchange between Harare and Bulawayo wherein the Cool Crooners come to Harare and Josh Meck heads to Bulawayo,” Marova said.
“We are also proud to be able to bring the Travellers band from Gweru. These achievements ring true to the festival being a national event, not just one focusing on Harare.”
The festival kicks off with a free show hosted by Alliance Francaise de Bulawayo from 6 to 10pm. Lined-up performers include Ngoma iNgoma, George Pahlane, Mahlaba, and Harare’s Josh Meck.
The curtains will come down in Harare at Alliance Francaise de Harare from 2 to 10pm, with tickets pegged at $20 on the day and $15 in advance. South African-based Max Vidima will headline the event supported by Victor Kunonga, Filbert Marova & Friends, Vera, Nicholar, Patrick Lupi, Bulawayo-based Cool Crooners, and The Travellers Band from Gweru.
“The idea behind ‘local flavor’ is that we are encouraging artists that have been groomed in the jazz language to incorporate elements of their own musical flavor and experience at the same time deliver these in the language of jazz,” explained Marova.
“This year, we are bringing together artists from three different cities. This goes to show the development of jazz on a national level, something that falls in line with the objectives of the ZJCT.”
Marova will also be performing for the third time at this festival and his second performing as a solo artist.
“It feels great to be able to get an opportunity to showcase my new kind of jazz style – Mbiriano,” said an ecstatic Marova.
“I am excited and jazz fans should expect to hear something fresh and yet familiar.”
In a statement ZJCT chairperson Robert Basvi urged all jazz-lovers to come and enjoy sweet home-brewed music assuring that it will certainly whet their appetite and leave them with an enjoyable, lingering local flavor playing in their minds.
