The Sunday Mail
MULTI-award-winning jazz guitarist Kunle Ayo, who is one of Africa’s most celebrated guitarists, is set to perform in the country at News Café Borrowdale on Friday September 29.
Ayo, who is compared with giants of the contemporary school such as George Benson, Earl Klugh and Jimmy Dludlu, is no stranger to the local showbiz scene as he has graced a couple of events, chief among them, Harare International Festival of the Arts (Hifa) as well as the Harare Jazz Festival.
He last performed in the capital at the 2015 edition of the Harare Jazz Festival alongside other legends such as Louis Mhlanga and Judith Sephuma, and he left many begging for more after a fiery act at Spook House. Jazz enthusiasts will watch the energetic performer belt it out at the joint which has of late hosted a number of esteemed artistes such as Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi and Jah Prayzah as well as budding ones in the likes of Bryan Kadengu.
The South Africa-based Nigerian guitarist also returns to Zimbabwe after the launch of his 2016 album “Atunse: The Revolution”, which features collaborations with Tuku, Hugh Masekela and Kirk Whalum.
Ayo’s visit comes at a time when the local jazz scene is bubbling under and showing signs of a major resurgence.
Every week, jazz enthusiasts gather at Chez Zandi at Alliance Francaise and are serenaded by sensational performances from Zimbabwean established and upcoming jazz artistes.
Yesterday, these artistes were expected to host the inaugural edition of the Zimbabwe Jazz Festival under the flagship of the Zimbabwe Jazz Community Trust.
Renowned jazz pianist and songwriter Filbert Marova, who is also the co-founder of the Zimbabwe Jazz Community Trust, said Kunle’s visit is a positive development for local jazz.
“I have watched Kunle perform live twice and certainly there are a lot of things that local jazz musicians can learn from him. I urge all musicians who have taken part in the Zimbabwe Jazz Community Trust ‘Back2Jazzics’ Sunday shows to find time to go and watch this celebrated jazz icon in action so that they can learn one or two things from him,” he said.
