TAWANDA MARWIZI
HARARE – Music lovers are in for a treat as several musicians converge for the Jacaranda Music festival set to take place early next month at Helenics Sports Club in Harare.
Micasa, Oliver Mtukudzi, Yvone Chaka Chaka, Mokoomba, Mbeu, Noman Masamba are among the artists billed to perform at the festival.
Walter Wanyanya, who doubles as Mtukudzi manager and festival director, said they will do a one day festival for now but they will expand it in the future.
“We are planning to have a bigger and better festival in the future but for now we will have a one day festival featuring the best South African and local musicians,” he said.
Wanyanya said they have done their ground work for the debut edition and they are expecting thousands of people to attend.
“This festival accommodates every Zimbabwean and, as you can see, the first edition has all kinds of musicians. Expectations are that people will come in their numbers to support their local talents as well as the featured guests,” he said.
Such platforms are fundamental for musicians like Masamba and Mbeu as they open avenues for collaborations with musicians like Micasa and Yvone Chaka Chaka.
Zimbabwean musicians tend to use platforms like these just to promote their personal brands. Pundits have argued that such festivals should be utilised by upcoming artists to establish contacts with musicians for possible collaborations.
Afro fusion musician Mbeu and his Modzi Tribe have managed to penetrate the local market and create a meaningful following. Eugene Museredza, who is the manager of Mbeu, said the festival will enable cultural exchanges and give them room to interact with other musicians.
“Such festivals are good for us because, not only do we get to network with visiting artists, but they also get an opportunity to watch our performances as well. It’s also a good way to establish relationships with corporate partners,” he said.
