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Natasha Mutsiba, [email protected] 

Preparations for the annual Zimbabwe Jazz Festival slated for September 22 at the Alliance Française of Bulawayo are underway.

The festival, organised by the Zimbabwe Jazz Community Trust and financed by the French Embassy in Zimbabwe, aims to showcase the diverse range of Zimbabwean jazz music.

Alliance Française of Bulawayo director, Guillaume Ripaud, said the festival is all about celebrating jazz music. He said last year, the festival was extended to Bulawayo from Harare. 

“The goal of this festival is to present the diversity of Zimbabwean jazz. Some artistes from Bulawayo will perform in Harare and some from Harare will perform here in Bulawayo.

“The festival will feature four hours of free music, with performances from four bands,” Ripaud said. 

He said the line-up includes Josh Meck an artiste from Harare, as well as three bands from Matabeleland, George Pahlane, Ngoma Ingoma and Mahlaba. 

Josh Meck

“These experienced musicians will showcase a wide range of jazz styles, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy,” he said. The festival will begin at 6pm. Ripaud advised attendees to arrive early, as last year’s event was packed. In addition to the music, he said there would be food and a cash bar available for attendees.

“People can expect a lot of good vibes and dances. It will be a lot of fun.”

He said the preparations for the festival are going well.

The jazz festival is not only a celebration of music but also an opportunity to foster collaboration and cultural exchange between artistes from different cities. 

While international guests will only perform in Harare due to cost constraints,  the festival aims to bring artistes from both cities together. 

With an impressive line-up and a commitment to showcasing Zimbabwean jazz talent, the Bulawayo Jazz Festival promises to be an unforgettable experience for all jazz enthusiasts. —@TashaMutsiba