Jazz fest a mixed bag

Last Saturday, hundreds of revellers thronged the Rainbow Towers grounds for this year’s edition of the jazz fest. As has become the norm, the venue of the festival was set in the green gardens of the hotel where a huge marquee was pitched for the event.
First to go on stage was Tanga WekwaSando, who, despite being in hibernation, his yesteryear tunes such as Hapana Asina Wake still find acceptance with township jazz enthusiasts.
Chiwoniso Maraire, Patience Musa, Clare Nyakujara, Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana and Dudu Manhenga were also part of the line-up.
However, a surprise collaboration between Dudu and high-riding dendera prodigy, Sulumani Chimbetu, aroused the audience to its feet and breathed an electric atmosphere that was almost non-existent. Perhaps the carnival had begun, but his performance was short-lived as he had to perform only two songs — his late father’s all-time hit, Samatenga, and Kwedu, which is on his new sure-fire third offering, Non Stop — with Dudu.
The Italian outfit, Amanda e la Banda put up spirited performance which, by any standards, received great appreciation from the audience though they appeared to have over-stayed their welcome during their last act.
The legendary Dorothy Masuka — popularly known as Auntie Dotty — backed by the polished Summer Breeze band, received a standing ovation as she took the “thirsty” audience down memory line with hits such as Gona raMachingura, Nhingirikini and Malaika. Though she played the golden oldies, it was her compelling presence and voice that made all the difference.
A guest appearance by Nigerian, Kunhle Ayo, gave a different flavour to the night as he showed his mastery with the guitar. He even played Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi’s Todii. The local superstar joined Ayo on stage and it was one of those duets that will be remembered for a long time.
Tuku himself was to later go on stage as the closing act of the evening. But his performance could be described as lukewarm. Perhaps his choice of songs for the evening did not bode well with the carnival atmosphere. His first two songs were sentimental and could have depressed the excitement — Akoromoka Awa and Tichawigwa Nani? The only song that probably received all the approval was Mutserendende.
Hugh Masekela, who was billed to perform, was later advised to be not on the line-up of artistes on the night. The same goes for Cuban ensemble, Almendra, who were a no-show.
Meanwhile, three township jazz legends were last week awarded for their contribution to the genre over the years. The recipients were the Cool Crooners, Auntie Dotty, Lina Mattaka and radio personality from those good old days, Hilton Mambo.
They each received a certificate and cash.