JAZZ lovers came out in droves recently to watch a carefully selected line-up of emerging and established artistes performing live at the Zimbabwe German Society.
The occasion marked global celebrations of the 14th anniversary of International Jazz Day.
Several events took place worldwide, including music educational sessions, workshops, educational programmes and concerts, with global celebrations culminating in an all-star global concert that was hosted at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates.
The Zimbabwe chapter of International Jazz Day is in its second year and is organised by renowned guitarist Josh Meck.
It debuted last year at the same venue.
Businessman and jazz patron Stephen Margolis was the guest of honour.
The opening act was solo acoustic guitarist Wevhu, later making way for Meck who stepped on to the stage in a sleek blue suit supported by his regular band comprising Tichaona Muchemwa (percussion), Brian Ziko (drums), Exodus Chauke (keyboard) and a special appearance by Nothando Mhlanga on backing vocals and shakers.
Their collective brilliance and artistry shone throughout the concert as the quintet provided support for Agga Nyabinde, Dereck Mpofu, Rute Mbangwa, Mono Mukundu, Nothando Mhlanga, Freedom Manatsa and Patience Musa.
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Meck’s sublime touch on the bass guitar set the tone for the evening.
Like a maestro he orchestrated the evening’s entertainment, effortlessly alternating between his own performances and supporting fellow artistes.
In I Have a Vision, he sings about unity and racial tolerance; the audience sang along while others swayed their heads in rhythmic appreciation.
In the song Mwana Wembeva, he switches from bass to the acoustic guitar.
Exodus Chauke takes it a step further, exhibiting impressive ingenuity with rumbling bass lines on the keyboard.
The spotlight then shone on Nothando Mhlanga’s set, who performed with Ruth Mbangwa and her daughter on the song City Lights.
“Growing up my family travelled a lot, between cities and even countries,” Mhlanga said during an interview.
“This presented the opportunity to experience many locations during night driving, such as the beautiful Christmas Pass.
“It is a scenery that has captured my heart, has inspired me throughout the years and led to the creation of the song.”
The concert featured a collaboration between music and art, courtesy of a live painting by visual artist Josh Chaps K.
The artwork was auctioned off at the end of the concert for US$100.
Mono Mukundu invited Derrick Mpofu and delivered a distinctive guitar solo presentation much to the delight of the audience.
He performed a song dedicated to workers, inspired by the observation that they are often undervalued despite their commitment.
The song is a plea from a worker to their employer.
Ndapedzakushanda, nekundiwona hauchadi, basa rako ndaita ka, hanya neni hauchina goes part of the lyrics written in Shona.
Patience Musa returned to performing after a five-year hiatus.
“Returning for International Jazz Day was deeply emotional for me. I had sung briefly at Kelly Rusike’s memorial show, but it was just one song — more of a cameo than a full performance,” she told NewsDay Life & Style.
“Being back on stage, truly performing again, felt like coming home to a part of myself I hadn’t visited in years. There was a mix of nervous energy and joy — like seeing an old friend after a long time and realising you still know how to speak the same language.
“My voice met the lights, the instruments, the energy of the crowd — and something in me just woke up. The audience, the music, the moment — it all reminded me of why I fell in love with performing and jazz in the first place. It was healing, energising, and above all, affirming.”
