The Sunday Mail
“Performing in Zimbabwe makes me complete — I really enjoy making the trip to either Bulawayo or Harare for gigs, it connects me with my roots,” said legendary vocalist and veteran jazz musician Dorothy “Aunty Dot” Masuka ahead of this Saturday’s potentially explosive Harare Jazz Festival.
Speaking from her South African base, Aunty Dot, who will be performing alongside fellow South African Hugh “Bra Hugh” Masekela, said she looks forward to serenading music lovers at the gig.
“I’m really looking forward to this show; in fact, I look forward to all my Zimbabwean visits because I am part of Zimbabwe. My dreams lie in Zimbabwe and performing in front of a home crowd makes me complete,” said Aunty Dot.
The 79-year-old singer said despite her advanced age, she was as energetic as ever and would give “youngsters” a run for their money at the show if they come ill-prepared.
“I’m not slowing down at all. In fact I have a series of gigs this whole festive season and the Zimbabwean show is just one of many. The youngsters I will be sharing the stage with should come prepared because I will steal the show if they are not careful,” she said.
Just last week, the Pata Pata hit-singer had a busy schedule including midweek gigs, which she said, help her stay sharp and fit.
“My busy schedule does not wear me out, it sharpens me, it makes me strong and I can assure music lovers in Harare that they are going to have a time of their lives,” she said.
Aunty Dot will be accompanied on stage by South African-based Bulawayo-born songstress Berita Khumalo in a mouth-watering act that is likely to leave many spellbound.
Iconic trumpeter Bra Hugh will also take to the stage at the festival after several visits to the country that have only seen him make guest appearances at mostly Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi’s shows.
The veteran jazz crooner, who was in the country a few weeks ago on a business trip, returns to headline the Harare Jazz Festival, which is now the only hope for the genre’s followers.
Tuku, who has been a regular at the festival since its inception, has been excluded from this year’s line-up. However, the superstar will feature on Bra Hugh’s set for a joint performance of the two’s recent collaboration, Tapera. Tuku is also expected to join the vivacious Ammara Brown on stage for another performance, in a night that will see many collaborations between local and international artistes.
Sam Mataure, the organiser of the Harare Jazz Festival believes that jazz is a market that has been neglected by music promoters.
“There is no venue that is dedicated to jazz artistes and jazz fans in the country anymore, there is no other festival that is purely jazz besides this one — all I want is to see jazz lovers enjoying themselves as well this festive season,” said Mataure, who is also Tuku’s manager and drummer.
Mataure said that the gig was also an opportunity for local acts, especially the youthful ones, to learn from veterans such as Aunty Dot, Bra Hugh and Tuku.
With Nigerian guitarist and vocalist Kunle Ayo also billed to perform, jazz lovers are certainly in for a treat.
The night would, however, not be complete without the highly gifted local jazz crooners — who will no doubt be out to put up splendid performances on the night.
Old-timers Cool Crooners and Mbare Trio, who are famed for their delivery of effortless gems, will be in the house, belting out their yesteryear hits, which have seen their brands refusing to fade away.
Bulawayo kwela Dudu Manhenga, Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana, Tanga Wekwa Sando and Richie Lopez make up some of the participating musicians.
The rest are Kudzai Sevenzo, Shingi Mangoma, Jazz Invitation, Patience Musa, Mokoomba, Norman Masamba, Matthew Ngorima, Silence Nqonqo Nhendere, Frank Mavhimira, Kudakwashe Mucheche, Macy (and the Red), Berita Khumalo and Maylene Chenjerayi.
Meanwhile, reggae-dancehall fans will also be in for a treat this Saturday at the Old Hararians where Jamaican dancehall star Kalado will lead a massive local contingent of performers.
Reggae-dancehall, which has taken the country by storm, is likely to be oversubscribed as well, as the genre commands a huge following in the country.
Kambuzuma-based Winky D, born Wallace Chirumiko, will be out to prove that he is indeed the king of dancehall when he takes to the stage.
However, the celebrated chanter will face stiff competition from the likes of Kinnah, who was crowned King of Zim dancehall at a gig held at the Guard Alert training ground last Saturday, where thousands of fans overwhelmingly voted for the Mbare-based singer.
Toky Vibes, who squandered an opportunity to consolidate his fan base when he failed to perform at all three mega-dancehall shows held last weekend, will also be out to prove a point. The youngster, who comes from Harare’s Rugare high-density suburb, is on the rise in Zim dancehall circles and has been praised for sober lyrics and powerful vocals.
Soul Jah Love, Dadza D, Lady Squanda, Freeman, Killer T, Seh Calaz, Shinsoman, Guspy Warrior and King Shady, complete the line-up, at the show that is definitely set to kick start this year’s summer programme.
