HARARE - The Harare Jazz Festival held on Saturday was thrilling. The charity benefit concert was held at the Celebration Centre and boasted an impressive line-up of regional jazz gurus. (Pictured: Afrojazz diva Judith Sephuma joined an impressive line-up at the Harare Jazz Festival)Proceeds from the show will be donated to Chinyaradzo Childrens Home and Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton an arts centre that nurtures young talent and is owned by Zimbabwean superstar Oliver Mtukudzi. The concert featured afrojazz diva Judith Sephuma, prolific guitarist Jimmy Dludlu from South Africa, the charismatic Eric Paliane of Malawi, Ernie Smith of South Africa and Kunle Ayo from Nigeria.
Local jazz stars Rute Mbangwa, Kudzai Sevenzo, Dudu Manhenga and Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana also thrilled the revellers who braved the chilly weather. Organised by Zimbabwes multi-talented drummer and promoter Sam Mataure, it was a memorable show.
The Harare Jazz Festival has grown hugely. From the outset, its programming has been solid and occasionally spectacular, and its popular support has expanded enough to allow it to move some concerts into the massive Celebration Centre. The festival also appears to be working as the tourism magnet it was conceived to be.
Jazz fans found much to enjoy and at times to debate during the event. Earlier, participating artists ran a free music workshop at the Pakare Paye, open to all musicians.
Rather than the common jazz method of a theme followed by a series of solos, artists tucked bits of improvisation into more thoroughly composed structures. And, though the mood was muted, there was a powerful emotional resonance to the work.