Alexio Kawara will on September 28 share the stage with Germany-based classical jazz outfit, Francis Drake, at the Zimbabwe-German society (ZGS).
REPORT BY SIMBARASHE MANHANGO The Shades of Black front-man is steadily upping his game with collaborations with international artists. Last month Alexio was a curtain-raiser for South African songstress Zahara.
He has also been listed to share the stage with the Nigerian twin brothers, Peter and Paul Okoye, popularly known as P-Square, in Harare next month.
In an interview with StandardLife&Style, Kawara said hard work and perseverance had transformed him into the artist he is now.
“I have been working hard and surely persistence pays,” said Kawara. “In the beginning it was difficult to attract all the attention I needed in the industry, but people are now appreciating my talent.
“I am excited to be part of this big concert and this is just one of those moments to do the best.”
Francis Drake will hold a workshop with Kawara as part of the cultural exchange programme being facilitated by ZGS.
ZGS administration and programmes coordinator, Claire Shambira said: “We believe in fun-filled education and our main goal is to promote cultural exchange between the two countries. Francis Drake will perform in the country and also do collaboration with Alexio while comedian Carl Joshua Ncube will provide comic action during the concert.”
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Ncube said he was pleased to be part of the concert. “I am honoured to represent my country and I have always enjoyed rubbing shoulders with some of the best international artists. However, the major thrust is to learn something from this group and the concert promises to be exciting.”
Francis Drake will be touring Africa throughout September.
With Max Frankl on guitars, Max von Mosch on saxophone and Clarinette, and Henning Sieverts on bass and cello, the trio takes an adventurous voyage in appreciation of sounds, rhythms, and melodies.
A statement released by Francis Drake before staging the concert in the country, suggests he was looking forward to this union.
“Music is a universal language. No matter what instrument you play, no matter what kind of music you love, there are things that are important in every musical situation,” reads the statement in part.
“You need to listen to your fellow musicians while you are simultaneously playing music with them and have the knowledge about which musical structures to use in your solo spot.”