THE October Jazz and World Music Festival explodes into life this week in Harare in a celebration of Africa’s deep and diverse music traditions.Report by Simbarashe Manhango
The five-day carnival will witness an exciting, jam-packed line-up of performances by both local and international artists in the capital city’s finest venues.
The music fiesta, running from October 17 to 21, will feature traditional music, blues, hip-hop and funk.
Pamberi Trust Arts manager, Penni Yon said there would be a lot of emerging talent and new jazz ensembles coming up with creative works. “Our objective is to celebrate this aspect by giving artists a collaborative podium, where they can mix and perform on one stage,” said Yon.
The festival will open with the screening of a film; The Miles Davis Story, followed by a collaboration between Victor Kunonga and Bheki Khoza from South Africa.
October 18 would see Tumbuka Dance group squaring up with Artemis Danza from Italy at the Celebration Centre.
On the same day, young and talented South African Afro-pop star, Ntando Bangani, would have an opportunity to share notes with Alexio Kawara.
Other local artists set to collaborate with international artists include the jazz songstress, Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana, together with Hope Masike, who will perform with the Italian group, Down Time Quintet, on Thursday, October 18.
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Tumi and the Volume from South Africa will bring a blend of their poetry and hip hop, this time accompanied by mbira songstress, Chiwoniso Maraire, on Friday.
Saturday will see a four-hour jazz showcase by established and emerging artists, including Jazz Invitation, Dudu Manhenga & Color Blu, Pablo Nakkapa, Josh Meck, Sunsets, Jazz Regiment and Richie Lopes, among other artists.
Later on that same day, Alexio Kawara, supported by Willis Wataffi, will collaborate with South Africa’s Ntando at the Book Café.
The closing night — October 21 — will be a jazz affair featuring Down Time Quintet, collaborating with local outfit, Blaqberry Jazz.
