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Jah Prayzah and his band members on stage

Tawanda Marwizi Arts Correspondent
The stage has been set for the annual Winter Jazz Festival that kicks off on Friday. Running under the theme “Back to Township Jazz”, the festival takes place at four different venues around the capital. Event organiser Josh Hozheri said all artistes have confirmed their participation in the festival that will have events taking place at venues that include Dandaro Inn, Book Cafe and Ice ‘n’ Fire Pamuzinda.
“All is now in place for the festival with artistes confirming their participation at the annual event,” said Hozheri.

On Friday, Oliver Mtukudzi will headline the biggest event of the fête that will be held at City Sports Centre, where Jah Prayzah and Suluman Chimbetu, Tanga Wekwa Sando and Ammara Brown are also expected to perform.

Chimbetu said he was happy to help jazz musicians celebrate their genre.
“It feels great to join hands with fellow musicians in celebrating their genre. I will try a few jazz tunes in solidarity with our friends in the industry,” said Chimbetu.

Jah Prayzah said the good relations between musicians made such shows possible. “This is a jazz festival but I will be participating because we have unity as musicians. We always support each other and most of our shows these days cut across genre divides,” he said.

This year’s event will see, Tanga Wekwa Sando returning to the annual fête after a long time.
“I can’t even remember when I last performed at the festival, it’s been a long time but yes, it feels good to be back. Tichange tichiridza nziyo dzinodiwa nevanhu idzodzo (we are going to play all the favourite hits).

“I really look forward to it and be part of the event. I think 2014 is a good year and we want to contribute to the show,” Tanga said.
Hozheri said all artistes taking part in this year’s Winter Jazz Festival are going to donate a blanket each to be handed over to victims of the Tokwe-Mukosi flood disaster currently living at Chingwizi Transit Camp.

“We are also urging all those that are going to attend the festival at the various venues around the capital to donate a gift of warmth this winter so that we take a bigger package to Chingwizi.

“Everyone has a jacket or some other warm clothing they no longer need somewhere in their wardrobe. Just bring it to any of the venues where the festival will be and give it to our agents there. Your donation can make a huge difference in someone’s life,” pleaded Hozheri.