HARARE -- Local jazz artistes are scheduled to perform at Mushandirapamwe Hotel in Highfield to prelude the second edition of the Harare Jazz Festival today.The event is set to give Zimbabwean artistes a chance to gear up ahead of the main fete featuring both local and international artistes at Harare Sports Club on April 17
Line to grace the stage are renowned jazz outfits Too Open, Q Montana, So What, The Other Four, Mokoomba and the late Sam Mtukudzis Ay Band.
The event will be especially important for Ay band who will be staging their first show since the passing away of key members Owen Chimhare and Sam.
Sam and Owen died in a car accident last month.
Festival Director Bernie Bismack said after the performance at Mushandirapamwe, there is a workshop for the local artistes on April 13.
The workshop shall focus on music and life skills necessary for success in music for the young and upcoming musicians. This will help them develop talent and skill, said Bismack. He said this years event is taking jazz music deeper to the people and is an outreach strategy to help boost the appreciation of jazz music.
Bismack urged jazz fans to book early, as there will be no ticket sales at the gate.
The debut Harare Jazz Festival was held last year and featured celebrated acts such as Jimmy Dludlu, Judith Sephuma, Kunle Ayo, Dudu Manhenga, Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana, Ernie Smith, Kudzai Sevenzo and Rute Mbangwa .
Organisers are hoping that this years edition will even be bigger with high profile performers such as Hugh Masekela, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and Oliver Mtukudzi set to grace the stage.
Post published in: Arts