Spring of music, picnicking

This is exactly how the organisers of Spring Strings 2011 would want to describe an afternoon of music and picnicking to be held at the Raintree Lodge in the Umwinsi Valley on the outskirts of Harare this Saturday.
The line-up for the event includes the Soweto String Quartet (SSQ) from South Africa, Dudu Manhenga, Essence of Women, Drum Café Zimbabwe and Jazz Invitation.
Tenjiwe Mutiti, an official of the the Spring Strings Team, who are organising the event, said: “Spring Strings is an annual event that invites everyone to take a fresh look within our borders, in and around our cities, to celebrate the beauty of our ‘backyard’ and its people. What better time for a fresh look than the beginning of spring.
“Drawing on the talents and services of Zimbabweans both within and beyond our borders Luckybean Productions are partnering with Raintree, Meikles Hotel and Maumbile web developers to provide an opportunity to celebrate Zimbabwe through music and dance. Spring Strings is an event that will usher in the warmth of Spring, the fertility of new life accompanied by the talent of Zimbabwe’s children.”
Mutiti said the Spring Strings is surely an event to savour – while it will be held in an “eden”, it is a distinctly a family event “wh-ere we invite families, friends and guests to enjoy a picnic themed musical concert in one of Zimbabwe’s foremost outdoor venues”.
The thought of time spent outside, relaxing and enjoying nature, around family, friends and even colleagues often translates into packing bags, loading the car and heading as far as possible out of our homes.
SSQ’s music is described as a fusion of the “dance rhythms of kwela, the syncopated guitars of mbaqanga, the saxophones and trumpets of swaying African jazz and the voices of people singing in joyous, easy harmony”.
They became a full-time professional outfit in 1992 and they performed at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration, after which Mandela started recommending them for other jobs.
Their albums showcase the band’s unique blend of traditional rhythms, township jazz, pop songs, jazz fusion, and of course, strong classical influences. The songs are arranged in the band’s unique and vibrant fashion – a true celebration of the resilient township spirit. The sound is fresh, vibrant and funky, not what you would expect from a traditional string quartet, but a sound that the SSQ delivers with panache and enthusiasm.
The SSQ was formed in 1989 and the four members are a political statement in themselves. They are four black classical musicians from a South African township. The ensemble initially faced criticism at home for their adherence to traditional European instruments, but through the years their music has absorbed native African rhythms and intonations.
Essence of Women is a contemporary dance troupe whose mission is to promote and encourage dance among women of all cultures here in Zimbabwe, and to provide a platform for young choreographers of both genders to showcase their work.
Though the focus is on gender, the company is open to contribution and collaboration from all. The term Essence was chosen “to embrace our uniqueness as women and to highlight the core of who we are as women. We are all spirits, although we are diverse in appearance, culture and tradition we have a tremendous amount of commonality”.
Essence of Women dance ensemble, although born and established in Zimbabwe, strives to cultivate a cosmopolitan feel and express the universal spirit of womanhood.
And the Drum Cafe concept is a unique hands-on application of African drums and percussion that not only entertains, but energises the audiences as well. Recently launched in Zimbabwe, Drum Café is a world-class act.
Luckybean Productions are the visionaries of the Spring Strings event. Striving to raise awareness of Zimbabwean talent, Luckybean participates in commercially viable projects and ventures through collaboration between the business sector, artistes and the community at large.
A Luckybean official says “the arts are a fusion point for different genders, generations, class and cultures and provide a source of much needed employment, entertainment and education. Luckybean seeks to harness this collaborative nature through the Spring Strings brand that will celebrate the beauty and talent of our country through song, dance and human interaction”.