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Entertainment Reporter

Afro-Jazz sensation Victor Kunonga remains in a league of his own.

The musician staged a memorable show at the Book Café over the weekend and exhibited why he is ranked among top jazz musicians in the country.

The event was a celebration of an alliance between Book Café and music management and marketing company, Jive Zimbabwe.

The year-long partnership is aimed at increasing the joint’s visibility and will see the two combining forces in organising and marketing various events at the end of every month this year.

Friday’s event, on the other hand, lived to the billing with a full house being treated to top quality entertainment by Kunonga with good songs from his fourth album “Kwedu”.

Like fine wine, the “Maidarirei” hitmaker’s music quality is getting better with time, judging from his new music.

His vocals remain excellent while his Afro-centric jazz stands out from the bunch.

Kunonga had the support of his lead guitarist, Norman Masamba, who warmed up the stage with his own band “Point Blank”.

The talented musician set the mood, serenading the crowd with his songs for two hours before paving way for Kunonga.

The two musicians complemented each other with their sensational jazz music that kept the audience on their toes throughout the night.

Kunonga also acknowledged Masamba’s talent and lyrical wizardry and even gave him another chance to perform during his act.

Jive Zimbabwe’s Benjamin Nyandoro was impressed by the turn of events, saying such would be the mood in the upcoming Book Café-Jive Zimbabwe shows every month.

“Our inaugural show was a huge success for all the parties involved. The turnout was very high and Victor was a hit with the fans, who had him perform until around 2 am when he was supposed to finish at midnight.

“Such will be the tempo at the coming 12 shows that will be held every last Friday of the month,” Nyandoro.

He said the programme would host artistes such as Jah Prayzah, Oliver Mtukudzi and Mokoomba.

Nyandoro, who was excited about promoting the local arts, credited a larger chunk of the success to their aggressive social media marketing saying it was a convenient strategy.

“We only printed 20 posters for this show. We mainly depended on interactive social media marketing.

“This does not only save money for the promoters and artistes but curbs the problem of pollution of our city,” he said.

He also spoke of his organisation’s partnership with artistes and music promoters whom they are assisting in paperless marketing of shows.