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Oliver Mtukudzi

Brenda Phiri Entertainment Reporter
The seventh edition of the Musica, a music festival by the Italian embassy in partnership with National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, is in full swing and vast talent has been exhibited in various concerts that have taken place so far. The event that started with a “Battle of the Schools Bands” at the Italian Club on Saturday is running until October 25 at the venues that include Embassy of Italy, Zimbabwe German Society, Book Café, Misty’s, Megga 2, 7 Arts Theatre and Sam Levy’s Village.

According to the Italian ambassador Enrico De Agostini, the festival’s thrust is of fostering collaborations and between Zimbabwe and Italian artistes.
“The festival was born out of the need to facilitate stronger relations, understanding and cooperation. It started off as an Italian Jazz festival but it now incorporates various genres. Music is a language of peace. Luckily, it spreads faster than deadly diseases,” he said.

While it has been a Zim–Italy affair over the years, the new partnership with the Zimbabwe German Society has made it international.
The ZGS facilitated the participation of German band Feindrehstar.

It is the seminar slated for Zimbabwe College of Music today featuring Oliver Mtukudzi that is one not to miss.
“The educational aspect is important for artistes to develop their talents further. Such seminars and workshops give emerging artistes knowledge not only in learning about instruments but to manage their careers as well. It is the same with the collaborations and cultural exchanges that will be taking part,” said the ambassador.

Meanwhile the Book Café Garden Show will also host young and emerging artistes in the form of Caroleen Masa and Were tonight.
A collaboration of Patience Musa, Max Covini a Zimbo-Ita drummer, Amanda Tosoni and Andrea Caggiari from Italy at Misty’s in Newlands will however mark the end of the night.
Other highlights to look forward to throughout the week include collaborations between Dudu Manhenga and Enzo Favata from Italy, upcoming diva Davina Green and Pah Chihera together with Jam signal, Adiona Maboreke, Blackpearl, Vera and Mangoma, African Pride and Italy’s Amanda e la Banda.

The festival closes at Sam Levy’s Village when Italian musicians will perform in the heart of the shopping centre for the general public.
On the other side of town, Megga 2 will host a family show where Amanda e la Banda, African Pride and Alexio Kawara will perform. The closing ceremony will be at 7 Arts Theatre on Saturday.