Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Forget predictable rhythms.
The 2025 Zimbabwe Jazz Festival, meticulously orchestrated by the Zimbabwe Jazz Community Trust (ZJCT) and Alliance Française in Zimbabwe, was more than a concert series — it was a testament to jazz’s unifying power.
The eighth edition was held last Friday at Alliance Française de Bulawayo with The Frank Salis Experience.
Led by the visionary Swiss composer, this dynamic, cross-continental ensemble immediately captivated the audience, showcasing the global language of jazz.
For Bulawayo native Dudu Manhenga, the night held profound significance.
Her Afro-jazz performance was pure world-class artistry, elevated by a special guest, her sister, Zanele Manhenga, lead vocalist of the acclaimed group Nobuntu.
The reunion resonated deeply.
“It’s great to be back to where it all started,” Dudu said as she reflected on her journey.
She even charmed the crowd with a humorous nod to her roots.
“I remember being afraid to sing in English, scared of words like ‘cattle’ and ‘bottle’! But I eased into it; that’s just how we pronounce them here!”
The stage sizzled with rising star Vee Mukarati.
The award-winning saxophonist, now making waves in Europe, delivered a polished set alongside Othnell “Mangoma” Moyo, proving why he’s one to watch.
Later, Tich Makalisa Band, a potent blend of the acclaimed pianist with talents from Zimbabwe and South Africa, kept the energy high.
For South Africa’s Amanda Tiffin, returning to Bulawayo after years away was another highlight in a night full of them.
The festival served as the triumphant finale for a groundbreaking project: Frank Salis Experience – The Zambezi Sessions.
This ambitious residency, masterminded by Salis, saw five musicians from Zimbabwe, Zambia, Switzerland, Italy and the US embark on a unique two-week creative odyssey.
Starting in Lusaka, weaving through Mutare and resonating at Victoria Falls, their journey culminated as Salis’s ensemble headlined both the Bulawayo and Harare festival concerts.
This seamless execution was no accident.
The deep-rooted partnership between the artist-led ZJCT and Alliance Française remains the bedrock of the festival’s success.
Building on last year’s Sizzling Rhythms, the 2025 edition demonstrably elevated the legacy, transforming the city into a dynamic nexus of jazz innovation.
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