Zimpapers Logo

Their melodious and enticing vocal prowess ensured they achieved the iconic status as the grandpas of jazz music in the country.

The “Bhulugwe Lami” hitmakers who were clad in white suits with matching shoes were backed by an equally powerful band.

The quartet  captured the soul and heart of the audience when they played songs from the 60s and 80s displaying grace and elegance with their undeniable sense of swing jazz mixed with joyful mbaqanga.

One of the band members jokingly said, “Do you know how old I am. I can dance and do everything. I am just six years old,”
He said since their formation, they had toured countries like France , South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania and United States among others.

“We have also shared the stage with some of the country’s renowned jazz musicians such as Bob Nyabinde, Jazz Invitation, Tanga WekwaSando and other internationally recognised artistes,” he noted.

To date, they have only three albums Blue Sky, produced in 2001, Ibhulugwe Lami in 2002, and Isati lo in 2005.
Founded by Abel Sithole, Lucky Thodhlana and the late Ben Gumbo, the group was always destined for great things and have since graced several arts festivals across the world.

Its music tipped its hat to jazz and its tone and swing, but mixed the western music with African rhythms and language – Ndebele, Zulu and KiSwahili in the case of the Crooners.
Those who have witnessed the Jazz maestros’ live on stage will concur that their music will always leave jazz lovers calling for more.
“I liked the grannies performance. This is my second time witnessing such acts,” said Maria Malatula from Mozambique.

Artistic director of Hifa, Gavin Peter said more than 1 200 local artistes would perform. Dubbed ‘What’s next’, this year’s edition will see local musicians such as Munya Mataruse, the Cool Crooners, Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana, Alexio Kawara, Jah Prayzah, Sulumani Chimbetu, Victor Kunonga, Busi Ncube, Edith WeUtonga and Sniper Storm, among others, performing. HIFA has in recent times made significant changes that can best be described as indigenisation of the festival as more locals, compared to previous years, are now part of the arts bonanza.

The festival, one of the biggest in Africa, is highly regarded by artistes as it links them with other international performers. Peter said this year’s edition of HIFA would be a great platform to market artistic talent in Zimbabwe as the festival continues to register growth.