The Zimbabwe Jazz Festival 2024 is set to ignite the jazz scene with an exciting lineup and a vibrant atmosphere, promising music enthusiasts an unforgettable experience. The festival, directed by Fanny Gauthier of the Alliance Francaise in Harare, will unfold over two days, showcasing top-tier talent in both Bulawayo and Harare.
The festival is scheduled to kick off on September 20, 2024, at the Alliance Francaise de Bulawayo, with festivities running from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The following day, the celebration will continue at the Alliance Francaise de Harare from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event is organized by the Zimbabwe Jazz Community Trust (ZJCT) in collaboration with the Alliance Francaise, under the theme “Sizzling Rhythms.”
The festival will feature an impressive lineup of artists, including Zimbabwe’s own Paul Lunga, renowned as the ‘King of Jazz Horns,’ and the Swiss sensation NNAVY. Lunga, a London-based trumpeter, is celebrated for his contributions to jazz over the past three decades, both in Zimbabwe and internationally. NNAVY, known for her distinctive blend of R&B, soul, and jazz, has made waves at renowned festivals such as the Montreux Jazz Festival and Jazz à Vienne, and is making her debut on the Zimbabwe jazz stage thanks to the support of the Swiss embassy in Zimbabwe.
The Bulawayo event will present performances by Paul Lunga, NNAVY, George Phahlane, and Ngoma iNgoma. The Harare edition will extend to eight hours of music, featuring Lunga, NNAVY, Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana, Agga Nyabinde, Rhythmic Pulse, Steve Chikotie, and the Hellenic Academy Big Band. Tickets are priced at US$10 for the Bulawayo event and US$20 for the Harare show.
The ZJCT, established in 2016, plays a crucial role in nurturing and promoting jazz culture in Zimbabwe. Led by Filbert Marova, the Trust is dedicated to reviving and enriching the local jazz scene by curating high-quality performances and fostering both established and emerging artists. Marova emphasized the meticulous selection process for the festival, highlighting their focus on diversity and innovation within jazz.
“The selection of international artists like Paul Lunga and NNAVY reflects our commitment to celebrating exceptional talent and introducing fresh perspectives to Zimbabwe’s jazz landscape,” Marova said. “We aim to offer a rich and varied musical experience that resonates with the essence of Zimbabwe’s vibrant jazz community.”
ZJCT chairperson Robert Basvi extended his gratitude to the festival’s sponsors and donors, including the French embassy, Alliance Francaise Harare, Alliance Francaise Bulawayo, and the Swiss embassy in Zimbabwe. Their ongoing support has been instrumental in making the annual Zimbabwe Jazz Festival a reality. As anticipation builds for this year’s festival, music lovers can look forward to a dynamic and engaging celebration of jazz that highlights both local and international talent, contributing to the cultural richness and musical heritage of Zimbabwe.
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