Big names to perform at Harare Jazz Fest

 The festival is the latest in an exciting series of jazz presentations put together by the multi-talented Zimbabwean drummer and promoter Sam Mataure.
In a bid to bring jazz festivals back to focus on mainstream afro/jazz, the program presents a stunning lineup of outstanding internationally acclaimed African jazz artists alongside Zimbabwe’s most accomplished artists that include Rute Mbangwa, Kudzai Sevenzo, Dudu Manhenga and Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana.
As part of a social responsibility and community outreach program, the festival organisers will invite 400 high school children from various Harare schools to attend the event free-of-charge. This is designed to expose young listeners to quality music at a high profile event of international standard and to bring jazz music into mainstream culture. In addition, part of the proceeds will go to Mutare Jairos Jiri Centre, Chinyaradzo Childrens Home and Pakare Paye Arts Centre.
In addition, the participating artists will run a music workshop at the Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton on Friday June 5, from 11am to 124. The workshop is open to all interested musicians at no charge.
“Fans should be ready for an electrifying experience”, said concert promoter Sam Mataure. “Celebration Centre is a family friendly, high-tech venue that is suitable for a concert of international standards” Mataure said that one of Zimbabwe’s finest fashion designers Trish Carmen in conjunction with The Agency models will showcase their winter fashion range at the show.
Sam brings a wealth of experience to the Zimbabwean music scene having extensively toured the world with such international stars such as Oliver Mtukudzi, the legendary Miriam Makeba and Thomas Mapfumo. His involvement in promoting jazz in Zimbabwe include the Zimbabwe National Jazz Festivals, The Mutare Jazz Festivals, Zimbabwe Festival of Regional and International Jazz, The Victoria Falls International Jazz Festivals and the Moving Jazz Café.