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Iyco interacts with fans during her performance in Domboshava

Godwin Muzari recently in DOMBOSHAVA
It is rare to have international artistes performing in rural areas, let alone at a jazz festival. Jazz festivals are known as preserve for the urban elite and international artistes usually perform at big city festivals. But it was a different story last weekend when Japanese outfit Kaka Furaha, led by talented vocalist Iyco, serenaded fans in Domboshava.

The festival took place at Generations Sports Bar and Grill that has brought entertainment activity to the rural community. The Japanese outfit thrilled audiences when they did renditions of local songs like Jah Prayzah’s “Mdhara Achauya” and “Neria” by Oliver Mtukudzi.

They did the Shona lyrics with precision that excited the crowd, which danced and sang along. It was like a feel of the Harare International Festival of the Arts where Iyco performed “Neria” with Mtukudzi early this year. She was part of the cast for the opening night of Hifa 2017 and she took the same spirit to Domboshava to give the rural music followers a rare taste.

The Japanese band also did its compositions with an exciting choreography that prompted fans to call for more songs when the group wanted to go off the stage. The instrumentalists showed great expertise as they played various instruments that are not common on the local music industry.

“It is nice to be in Zimbabwe. We are enjoying ourselves here. Let us dance together to the good music. Zimbabwe is beautiful and it has beautiful people. We want to come back to this place,” said Iyco during her performance.

Kaka Furaha’s local manager Tawonga Mafundikwa said the group intends to make Zimbabwe its home ground for African performances.

Allan Chimbetu

“They like the country so much and we are glad to have them for the second time this year. It shows that they have fallen in love with the country and they want to have more tours of Africa with a bias towards Zimbabwe. They will definitely return for more shows,” said Mafundikwa.

Also making a mark at the festival was wheel-spinner Ronald “D-train” Chiwanza who entertained the crowd with his soothing jazz selections that were complemented by a mix of other genres. D-train said he was happy to be part of the festival.

“It did not appear like an inaugural festival. Everything went well and I think they should make it an annual festival. It is good for the people in this community to experience such events,” said D-train.

Organisers of the festival promised to make it an annual event and said they would bring more international acts. Other groups that took part include Ovation Fuse and Fab Band as well as Gafa King and Queens dance troupe. Meanwhile, Dendera musician Allan Chimbetu will tomorrow travel to Generations Sports Bar and Grill for a performance that is expected to draw a huge crowd.

After the jazz festival, it will be time for the Domboshava community to enjoy music they love most. Most of the people in the area enjoy sungura music and it will be a time for fast dances and sing-along songs. Chimbetu said they will do their best at the show.

“We have many fans in Domboshava and we are looking forward to a memorable night. We have prepared for the gig and we want to leave a mark,” he said.