Preps for Harare Jazz Festival in full swing

Now in its third year, this festival is a premier up-market annual celebration of jazz. It is a high-profile event that is fast becoming the grand showcase of jazz music as it brings regional and internationally acclaimed stars to perform alongside some of Zimbabwe’s finest musicians.
“We are focused on managing the growth of Harare Jazz Festival to ensure excellent entertainment value for the fans and great brand communication opportunities for our sponsors,” said festival founder and artistic director, Sam Mataure, recently.
To this end, a number of outstanding and exciting events have been lined up as part of the grand Harare Jazz Festival.
Harare Jazz Festival Awards Ceremony: April 14
In partnership with Savanna Tobacco Company, Harare Jazz Festival will honour Lina Mattaka, Dorothy Masuka and the Cool Crooners for their unsurpassed contributions to jazz and the music industry in Zimbabwe and the region.
The festival and Savanna Tobacco Company found it fitting to honour these inspirational and celebrated jazz personalities for their unmatched individual contributions.
South African jazz legend, Hugh Masekela, has been invited to be the guest of honour at the high-profile awards ceremony that will also mark the official opening of Harare Jazz Festival 2011.
The Main Event: April 16
This year’s line-up is hot, exciting and it will feature top South African, Nigerian, Italian and Zimbabwean artistes. Seven acts, which will be announced soon, will perform at Ha-rare Jazz Festival’s main event.
The setting at the venue will combine innovative décor and facilities to create a carnival atmo-sphere in line with international trends. The event will be held in a marquee set in beautiful; lush-green surroundings. 
There will be tables and chairs for the audience and an effective bar and catering service will be on hand.
The Jazz Veterans Concert: April 17
As part of its contribution to society, the Harare Jazz Festival, in conjunction with its major sponsor, Savanna Tobacco Company, will host a free concert for the community in Highfield.
The concert will feature some of Zimbabwe’s finest veteran musicians who will share the stage with an Italian band as part of an exchange programme.
A Great Track Record
Since its inception in 2009, the festival has successfully brought to Harare a number of regional internationally acclaimed jazz musicians. These are Hugh Masekela (2010), Lady Smith Black Mamabzo (2010), Sibongile Khumalo (2010), Oliver Mtukudzi (2010), The Cool Crooners (2010), Silvia Manco Quartet from Italy (2010), Judith Sephuma (2009), Ringo Madhlingozi (2009), Jimmy Dludlu (2009), Kunle Ayo from Nigeria (2009), Ernie Smith (2009) and Erick Paliane from Malawi (2009).
The Harare Jazz Festival believes in adding value to and developing local jazz musicians. Some of Zimbabwe’s finest as well as up-coming jazz musicians have performed at the festival. These include Mbare Trio, Jazz Invitation, Prude-nce Katomene-Mbofana, Dudu Manhenga, Kudzai Sevenzo, Rute Mbangwa, Too Open, The Other Four, Mokoomba, Ay Band and Edith WeUtonga.

– Articles by Synergy!, the corporate communications agency of the Harare Jazz Festival.