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Arts Reporter

The country’s prime music fiesta, dubbed Stanbic Jacaranda Music Festival, is back after being affected by Covid-19 in the last two years, with the organisers yesterday saying all is set for the musical show on Saturday at Old Hararians Sports Club in Harare. 

The festival, which ends on Sunday, began yesterday with a series of masterclass workshops in Bulawayo headlined by Nigeria-born guitarist Kunle Ayo and hosted by singer Tariro NeGitare. 

About 30 participants drawn from producers, guitarists and persons interested in the arts attended the workshop held at The Oasis in Belmont. 

“This educational aspect of the music festival has become a very critical part of the annual event as it’s designed to avail those involved in the creative economy with an opportunity to meet and also learn about how they can effectively participate on the global scene as business people in entertainment,” said festival director, Walter Wanyanya. 

“This year, we’ll have speakers from South Africa, Nigeria, Botswana, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe. Topics to be covered will include music production; intellectual property matters with a focus on music; how to effectively take part in regional and international festival stages and financial literacy classes presented by experts.” 

Wanyanya said those attending the festival were assured of security. 

“We have over 100 security personnel on the ground from two reputable security companies and also from our police who have always given us support at our events. We are geared and ready for a peaceful weekend,” said Wanyanya. 

He said the festival was simply a music festival and they were not specific about genres. 

“You can see that our line-up has a variety of genres as long as it’s music we will showcase it,” said Wanyanya. “We have three hosts from our official radio partner, StarFM. 

“People should expect the best music by some of the best creatives from the region and we expect the best audience that loves good music, fuse that with good summer vibes, we are in for a good weekend.” 

The festival will see over 30 artistes performing on Saturday and Sunday, who include Enzo Ishall, Zonke, DJ King Her, Fusion 5 Mangwiro, The Travellers Band, Bongo Maffin, Feli Nandi, Janet Manyowa, DJ Zinhle, DJ Fresh, Zakes Bantwini, Morda, Anita Jaxson, Jah Prayzah, Mwenje Mathole, Solution GC and The Black Spirits.