Out of respect for his contribution to the Zimbabwea
music industry, ‘United Musicians for Musicians’, a voluntary group of
musicians, have come together to present a benefit concert on Thursday 5 June
at The Mannenberg Jazz Club, in his honour and to assist the bereaved family
financially.
The show kicks off at 9.30pm, with a star-studded lineup, including Jazz
Invitation, Prudence Katomene, Victor Kunonga, Dudu Manhenga & Color Blu, Tanga
Wekwa Sando, and Filbert Marova with FADZ & Friends, and promises to be a show
of note with excellent music performances strengthened by the spirit of brother
(and sister)hood in the music community of Harare.
Over the last two decades, Davey, as he was popularly known, played and recorded
with some of Zimbabwe’s top groups, including Mhepo, the late James Chimombe,
Band Six, Harare Drive, Sabuku, The Rusike Brothers, Jazz Invitation and
others.
A gifted and experienced drummer, Dave was well known and loved by fellow
musicians and audiences alike for his solid, rock-steady rhythms, over which so
many good songs were created and performed. Valued as a reliable, disciplined
and professional artist, he will be equally well remembered for his humble
spirit and positive attitude.
He was also blessed with the ability and opportunity to nurture artists of the
future, and taught drum students at the Harare International School, Prince
Edward High School, Watershed and the Zimbabwe College of Music. Dedicated to
his profession, Moyo was teaching up until Tuesday last week.
‘United Musicians For Musicians’
‘United Musicians For Musicians’ is an artists initiative, an idea born when
Kelly Rusike and Filbert Marova (founder members of Jazz Invitation) decided to
do something about their deep concern for the fact that most musicians have no
pension or ‘back up life support’, in the event of temporary or permanent
injury or death.
Rusike said “More than often musicians are the sole breadwinners of their
families and sometimes extended families too! And when this kind of situation
arises, the task of fending for one’s family is left to either a spouse or
relatives who are already overstretched or unable to do so. This is where the
United Musicians For Musicians comes in. In our own small way we are trying
to encourage ourselves to support each other and assist the families in times
of such adversity. It forms a strong bond amongst us and teaches us to help
ourselves. We are a voluntary group supporting ourselves, the musicians.”
In the current economic climate, artists are facing tougher life challenges than
ever before, and have long ago learned not to expect or depend on support from
any other quarter.
Pamberi Trust is an arts organization which exists to facilitate the arts, and
runs the Jazz Appreciation Society at The Mannenberg, funded by The W.K.Kellogg
Foundation, to promote jazz and jazz musicians in Zimbabwe.
“This artists’ initiative is a welcome development,” said Penny Yon, project
officer for Pamberi Trust. “It’s wonderful to see musicians getting together
to support each other in these hard times, and I would encourage all artists to
get involved. It’s a case of the art of survival for the survival of art.”
All featured artists are top names in the industry, who are giving themselves
selflessly to the benefit concert, proceeds of which will be going to Dave
Moyo’s family. The show
Promises to be a great tribute to Dave Moyo, and a strong stand by musicians,
for musicians of Zimbabwe.
Post published in: News