It was an affair of horns and strings strummed with such deftness of touch that produced tunes which not only caressed the ear that heard but the soul that felt as well. This was all much to the appreciation of a diverse audience, a kaleidoscope of colour, drawn from all walks of life. I am still in that place that the first ever Harare Jazz Festival lifted me to on June 6th.

^ The guitar showdown, Eric (left) and Kunle Ayo.

Local artists and those from the region mingled with ease in song, belting out harmonious melodies. Such was the beauty of Sam Mataure's festival held on 6th June 2009 at the Celebration Centre.  

Songbirds Dudu Manhenga, Prudence Katomeni Mbofana, Kudzai Sevenzo and Rute Mbangwa rocked the crowd with their solo appearances but of interest was their quartet that treated the audience to a rendition of Rudo Imoto, Marshal Munhumumwe's track. The crowd broke into dance along side the songbirds that could not help but catch on to Dudu and Prudence's contagious dramatics. These ladies could become a formidable force if they seriously considered a quartet project. 

^ Kunle jazzes the audience.

Next was a line up of strings from Eric from Malawi to Ernie Smith (SA) whose strings and voice are equally melodic. His track When I am Feeling Kind of Lonely, got lovers rocking arm in arm. The vibe of love was in the air. Credit also goes to the Jazz Invitation crew who backed most of the musicians on the day. They were truly amazing and their adaptations a creative genius.

Kunle Ayo is a phenomenon and no words will suffice to put him to description. His guitar playing style complemented with the traditional stringed drum is simply unique. Talk of the passion he has on the stage interposed by his gyrating Nigerian traditional dance, he musically messed up the audience’s minds. Exploiting the wireless technology he took his guitar into the audience, enabling them to have a one on one experience with Afro Jazz. That was not all. He surprised everyone by his almost vocal interpretation of Tuku’s Todii- done with just his guitar. The crowd was on their feet again. This man doesn't play the guitar- he makes it sing. The track adapted into a Jazz instrumental is likely to appear on his next album if the Zimbabwean superstar, who was in the audience on the day, is to consent. 

^ A spiritual cry- Judith Sephuma.

The show was briefly punctuated by Trish Carmen's creativity though not on the musical side but in a statement of fashion. Her couture collection was exhibited in what I would call a semi fashion show. Basically made up of urban street wear both adaptable to winter and summer wear.  

Judith Sephuma took things to a spiritual level and the venue being the home of a church this was no strange phenomena. Her performance was not disappointing. She did some of her popular tracks though most of the songs she performed on the day were those hymns and worship songs that will draw us ever 'closer to thee my Lord.'

^ Guest appearance- Ringo.

The more mature strings and voice of Jimmy Dludlu took to the stage, dominated it and wowed the audience as always. He has a way of talking to the audience through his guitar; I mean really some of the audience hummed its tune with him. His trademark hat askew he was all business and the audience loved him. 

The guest performance of Ringo Madlingozi was next. The audience jumped to its feet hoping that the Superstar Tuku would join him as he did his track Into Yami that has a remake with Tuku. The audience was disappointed when the superstar went backstage but never showed up on the stage. However Ringo was joined by a lady from the audience who sang the parts sung by the Superstar in the remake. Later on he was joined by the rest of the performers for the last showdown and the bowing out. The audience that was left asking for more rushed for autographs and pictures with the stars backstage however they were denied access- along with the media people. 

I am still in that place.

- By Shepherd Chabata

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K. Tessa   |2009-06-25 07:03:16 Thanks Sam for bringing these great artists to Zimbabwe. It was a memorable festival and I am looking forward to next year! Reply 0   0

George   |2009-06-25 18:37:53 Makes me wish I was in Zim Reply 0   0

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