Maria ChiguvariZimpapers Arts and Entertainment HubORGANISERS of the “The Moving Jazz Café” shows believe there is a big jazz constituency in this country which has been crying out for the kind of entertainment they will provide during the two shows.They said jazz, a genre born out of rich history and cultural heritage, has stood the test of time.The organisers believe jazz remains a vibrant and evolving art form. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to adapt and innovate, making it a beloved genre for music enthusiasts.South Africa-based legendary guitarist, Louis Mhlanga, will be the headline act and will bring his full band for the two concerts in Harare and Bulawayo.Hosted by Josh Hozheri of Jazz 105, in partnership with Mehluli Moyo of Tracy Mason Media, the Moving Jazz Café will be held in the country’s two biggest cities. “That’s always been our strategic plan to grow the spaces because as the name says, it’s the movement, yes the fame,” said Mehluli.
“So we’re not going to be stationed here only. We’re going to go into different towns and we’ll make sure of that, I think we’ve got a six-month calendar already that we’ve planned.“So, we’ll be having regular shows with local artists and also international artists as well. “Our strategy is to keep growing and growing and keep being innovative and all that.
“He added:“So, we’re not stopping here. We’re moving as fast as we can. But we want to take everybody along with us so that it’s an experience.“Wherever we go, we’re going to make sure that we have international artists, one or two, and make sure that at each and every concert, there are local artists.
We want the local artists not only to perform but to mix and mingle with these international artists when they come so that it also becomes a learning experience for the local artists, especially the upcoming artists.”Award-winning Afro-Jazz singer and songwriter Victor Kunonga said he has been working tirelessly to create an unforgettable experience for those who will attend the shows.“One thing I can promise you is that jazz never dies. It lives the test of time. People come, people go.
They come and go but in jazz, we just keep going.“So, I’m excited to be part of this. Excited that we’ve got believers out there.We have evolved, those who last saw us during the Jazz 105 times, we are different now. We are a lot more advanced, a lot more exciting, a lot more innovation is now a part of this genre called jazz.”The first event will be held at The Kings Kraal in Bulawayo on August 8, featuring performances by Gog’ Bekezela, the legendary Hudson Simbarashe, Vuyo Brown and Mhlanga, who will be the headline act.The following day, August 9, the show will move to the Centurion in Harare, where Sub-Sahara Tribe; Jabavu Drive, Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana, Victor Kunonga and the international icon Mhlanga will perform.Celebrated jazz crooner Mhlanga will be performing live in his home country after more than three decades.In his previous visits, Mhlanga has either featured as a solo artist, joined other local music greats on stage or relied on a session band assembled for him.Share on FacebookPost on XFollow usSave
Originally published on Zimbabwe Herald
Source: Herald
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