Book Cafe springs back to life

The re-opening was preceded by an award presentation ceremony the week before of the Prince Claus Award at a function attended by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, artists from various backgrounds, members of the diplomatic community and other invited guests.
The Book Cafe — now situated along Samora Machel Avenue at the corner with Sixth Street — was re-launched at a grand event some two weeks ago in two five-hour concerts, held over the weekend of March 16 and 17. A star line-up of some of Harare’s best-loved music and performing acts entertained guests and revellers.
Bursting onto the new wide stage were mbira legends, Nyama-svisva neMawungira eNharira, reggae giants, Transit Crew, upcoming superstar, Alexio & Shades of Black, and Zimbabwean guitarist, Josh Meck & Mawonero, with a few choice verses from the poet, Mystic. Completing the Friday line-up was Zimbabwe’s evergreen champion for peace, Victor Kunonga.
The Saturday line-up went ballistic with the mighty Jazz Invitation featuring bassist, Kelly Rusike; and Bernie Bismark with jazz vocalist, Patience Musa; charismatic showman, Ba Shupi & The A Team with Dizzy Don; original conscious reggae from Matthias Julius & X-Vybes; wild punk-mbira rockers Chikwata.263; and Zimbabwe’s dancehall reggae firebrand, Mic Inity, offered a super-charged show in honour of the occasion. The legendary poet, Albert Nyathi, graced the stage and delivered an impromptu performance.
A dark cloud on opening night was news of the passing on of African super rocker, Andy Brown, who passed away after a short illness. Over the last year, Andy had been much in evidence at The Book Cafe and The Mannenberg, with exciting collaborations with other artists (Chiwoniso Maraire, Dudu Manhenga, Chikwa-ta.263, and more).
Out of respect, the internationally renowned “Rebel Woman”, queen of mbira blues and ex-wife to Andy, Chiwon-iso Maraire, did not perform as scheduled, and a minute of silence was observed in honour of Andy.
A week earlier, however, one of the Book Cafe founders and creative director, Paul Brickhill, was presented with the Prince Claus Award. The Book Cafe scooped the award last year.
The award was presented by the Prince Claus Award director, Christa Meindersma, and witnessed by Prime Minister Tsvangirai and the Netherlands Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Barbara Joziasse.
The Book Cafe was awarded the prize for its role in “culture and development”, built and focussed on a platform of freedom of expression across music, poetry and theatre with public discussion, film and multi-disciplinary arts.
The award has been described as “a momentous achievement for Zimbabwean performing arts, and for Book Cafe”, which becomes one of the first live performing arts venues of this kind in the world to win the prestigious global award.
Every year, Prince Claus awards are presented to individuals, groups and institutions in Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Caribbean for their extraordinary work in the fields of culture or social development.
The top prize is €100 000 and a further 10 laureates receive €25 000 each.
The new Book Cafe was established through funding from the Netherlands Embassy.