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By Blackmore Mavura
THE battle of Limpopo jazz divas is on the cards at the Borrowdale Racecourse on March 5 when impressive award-winning South Africa songstress Lira will perform alongside local crooner Dudu Manhenga and a host of other musicians at the inaugural Jazz under the Stars Concert.
The versatile and outstanding Lira, real name Lerato Molapo, is touted by many in the South African music circles as the next Miriam Makeba due to her vocal prowess, musical dexterity, stage presence and charisma. This will be her first visit to Zimbabwe. Lira is one of South Africa’s most decorated artistes and in her debut year — 2003 — she landed several awards at the South African Music Awards, among them Rookie of the Year, Best New Artiste, Best Female Artiste, Best Video for the song Feel Good.
On the Zimbabwean front Manhenga is blessed with a voice that makes many an artiste green with envy.
An award winner too and accomplished musician who belongs to that rare class of local jazz royalty and seeing her perform alongside Lira will be an unforgettable event to most jazz aficionados.
According to Freedom Maziriri, of Freecom Ad who are organising the concert in partnership with another local company Convex, the Zimbabwean jazz-loving public should brace themselves for an unforgettable night with some of the region’s best jazz talents.
Besides Lira and Manhenga the festival will also feature the effervescent Victor Kunonga.
The elder statesmen of jazz, the evergreen Cool Crooners as well as the Jazz Invitation, will add a dose of maturity with their act during the night.
“This will be Lira’s first performance here and she will charm Zimbabwe with her sensational and exciting act that has seen her scoop awards in the music fraternity.
“To add flavour to the whole thing we also roped in fellow Zimbabweans like leading lady Dudu and the veterans,” said Maziriri.