By Stanley Kwenda Own
THE inaugural International Jazz festival will be held this
weekend in the resort town of Victoria Falls, presenting a fitting Christmas
treat for serious jazz connoisseurs who are expected to pack the majestic
Elephant Hills Hotel, the venue of the two-day event.
The festival, hosted by Native Creations will feature the
best that the country has to offer in Jazz music. Artists such as Oliver Mtukudzi, South-African based guitarist Louis Mhlanga, Victor Kunonga, Kudzai Sevenzo, Jazz Invitation,
Kelly Rusike, Prudence Mbofana
and Andrew Nogongo will perform at the two-day event.
The festival will also feature celebrated Jazz DJ Comfort Mbofana.
"The event marks the launch of the festival which we
hope to make an annual event, we intend to promote culture within tourism which
is why we decided to launch it in Victoria Falls,"
said Okay Machisa, festival director.
"This year's event is particularly important as we seek
to bridge the gap between tourism, arts and culture."
Jazz music has in the past year enjoyed great success, with Zimbabwe
playing host to international stars such as Jabu Khanyile, Judith Sephuma and
Louis Mhlanga.
"We want to make this show one to remember, all the
performers have confirmed that they will be coming and everything has been put
in place. All that remains is for the day to arrive. At the moment we are just
rehearsing as the artists will not bring their bands," said session
drummer, Sam Mataure.
"We however wish to make it a big event next year as we
hope to bring in long forgotten artists who are now living in the diaspora such as Themba Ndlovu of the Nandi/Meet me in Zimbabwe
fame, Matonto, Lovemore Majaivana, Appointed and Audius Mtawarira."
After the Victoria Falls show Louis Mhlanga will team up with diva Kudzai
Sevenzo on New Year's eve at
Jazz 105.
"It is quite an exciting prospect having to play
alongside an internationally recognised musician like
Louis Mhlanga and I can't wait for the day to
arrive," said Sevenzo.
12/22/05
Source: allAfrica.com
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