Sephuma celebrates with Facebook fans

Judith Sephuma

SONGWRITER and Afro jazz artist Judith Sephuma is using social media to promote the live DVD recording concert scheduled to take place this weekend. The venue for Sephuma's not-to-be-missed concert is Gold Reef City's Lyric Theatre in Johannesburg.

The concert is significant in that it marks Sephuma's 10th anniversary in the music industry, a period that has seen her amassing awards while at the same time dealing with personal challenges.

These included her much-publicised divorce from Afro jazz guitarist Selaelo Selota and re-marrying. She is currently married to photographer Siphiwe Mhlambi.Sephuma has won several awards, including the South African Music Awards statuette, over the years, proving her durability in an industry known for making and breaking artists.

US jazz band to perform in Harare

A Chicago-based jazz band, The Dennis Luxion -Michael Raynor Quartet, arrives in the country today for shows at cultural centres in Harare and Chitungwiza as well as conducting workshops with local musicians. The group’s tour to Zimbabwe is facilitated by the United States Embassy through the US Department of State’s “The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad” programme, co-ordinated by Jazz at Lincoln Centre.

Sharon Hudson-Dean, US Embassy spokesperson said the tour was timely.

Wife of jazz star Kenny G files for legal separation after 20 years of marriage

Kenny G and wife Lyndie 

The wife of jazz star Kenny G has filed for a legal separation after 20 years of marriage. According to TMZ, Lyndie Benson Gorelick filed papers in L.A. County Superior Court. And while they may remain married for the time-being, the website claims that the estranged couple are likely to end up filing for divorce. They have reportedly both turned to high-powered lawyers for help with the proceedings.

Kenny G, 55, is understood to have enlisted the advice of a well-known Hollywood attorney who has represented the likes of Angelina Jolie, Kim Kardashian and Britney Spears. And if the split does land the couple in divorce court, things could become expensive. The saxophonist, whose real name is Kenneth Gorelick, is rumoured to be worth around $50million.

Kenny G

Jazz Legend Ibrahim to play in South Africa

Jazz Maestro Abdullah Ibrahim

HE IS often celebrated overseas, particularly in Germany and New York, where he holds frequent shows, and but back home it is not so often that one will see an artist of his musical calibre on stage. Fans of Abdullah Ibrahim, one of South Africa's most accomplished musicians, must be happy that the artist has now confirmed a two-city tour showcase with the 18-piece Jazz Orchestra Big Band.

Freshlyground boycotts Zim

Prominent South African Afro-fusion music group, Freshlyground, said its continental tour to celebrate their decade in the music industry would not include Zimbabwe where they are unpopular with President Robert Mugabe and his Zanu (PF) party. The award-winning outfit is concerned about safety in neighbouring Zimbabwe where they are otherwise popular among the masses following a song they released last year calling on the aged dictator to quit and hand over power to a new generation of leaders.

Bantuman I Pens song as a tribute to Sungura Icon - Tongai Moyo

Local reggae and jazz artist, Bantuman I, has penned a song chronicling the gap left by the late Sungura icon, Tongai ‘Dhewa’ Moyo. Other musicians in the province have also promised to hold live shows in memorial of the lost hero. In an interview with The Zimbabwean, Bantuman I, who also owns the biggest recording company here, said the song entitled ‘Tongai Dhewa Moyo’ talks about the deep void left by the celebrated musician.

Jazz Invitation releases new Album

One of Zimbabwe’s finest jazz outfits, Jazz Invitation, have released their second album entitled Tsoka (footsteps). The album is a departure from their successful first album Rehearsal Room in that while the first album’s tracks have vocals; Tsoka is dominated by some thrilling instrumentals. The tracks on this album are solid and well-arranged instrumentals. 

On Tsoka, the band expertly blends traditional Zimbabwean rhythms and sounds with jazz elements on the keyboards, saxophone and lead guitar. The classic and traditional song Dzinonwa Muna Zambezi has been given a new lease of life as this version is an improvement on earlier versions. 

Dudu Manhenga thrills UNWTO delegates

Zimbabwean born Afro-Jazz artiste Dudu Manhenga put up a splendid and spirited performance that thrilled delegates during the recently held Victoria Falls Night jointly organised by Zimbabwe and Zambia on the sidelines of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation General Assembly being held in the city of Gyeongju in Korea.

Tuku set to Mesmerise fans in Mutare

Afro Jazz superstar, Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi, and gospel dynasty, Baba and Mai Charamba, are billed to perform in Mutare at two separate shows. Mtukudzi will set the ball rolling at Mutare Polytechnic College on October 22 whilst the Charambas are scheduled to deliver a spirited performance at Sakubva Beithall on November 4, this year.

Zahara CD has fans in a frenzy

Eastern Cape singing sensation Zahara has been on a musical high since her debut album, Loliwe, went platinum, just 13 days after its release. At a time of plummeting CD sales, her album - which is a mixture of neo-soul and Afro-pop sounds - has already sold in excess of 40000 units. Listen to the title track of this CD, its a beautiful combination of sweet vocals and soothing jazz-afro beats.....She will definitely go places.

"It's even more overwhelming because it's my debut - it means people believe in my dream, and they love my music," said the 23-year-old at the SABC offices in Johannesburg, where she was doing radio interviews yesterday. Her first single, Loliwe, a mid-tempo song, has gained massive airplay.

All that jazz: Kunle’s Best of Both Worlds

He is one gentleman who is absolutely passionate about and thoroughly enjoys what he does. He thrills audiences, especially the female members, with his infectious, sunny stage presence. Nigerian jazz guitar great, producer and TV personality Kunle Ayo always delivers performances in a playful manner characterised by the ever-present smile. 

This writer caught up with him recently at the October International Jazz Festival and spoke with him about his work in the last two years.The South Africa-based Kunle recently released Best of Both Worlds, a diverse album with authentic African jazz. Showcasing his versatility, the album is a fusion of the Apala style from Nigeria and South African maskandi music. It is a product of the African Renaissance and Kunle drew his inspiration from the influences of Nigerian, Zimbabwean and South African sounds. 

October International Jazz Festival starts in Harare today

The October International Jazz Festival starts tonight with an opening ceremony at Rainbow Towers. Dudu Manhenga and Raffaele Casarano with the Apulia Jazz Quartet from Italy are expected to kick-start the international jazz showcase. Now in its fourth year, the Italian Embassy initiative has become the biggest jazz event on the Zimbabwean calendar. 

It will run for one week with several performances across the city. The festival also brings together the largest number of musicians with the most diverse range of influences and jazz sub-genres. Tomorrow festival organisers take the festival to a wider audience with a free family concert at Harare Safari Lodge.

Italian jazz maestro Francesco Bearzatti to perform in Harare

INTERNATIONALLY acclaimed Italian jazz artiste Francesco Bearzatti and his Tinissima Quarte band are set to perform at this year's October International Jazz Festival which will be held in from October 7-16.

The festival is a cultural exchange initiative of the Italian Embassy in Harare in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and Pamberi Trust.

Tuku shares stage with Hugh Masekela in Maseru this weekend

The Morija Arts and Cultural Festival is hosting Tuku and Hugh Masekela at the 2011 edition of the fest in Maseru next month. Tuku and Masekela will share the stage with several local musicians at the main arena (Jazz Famo) at 8pm on Saturday 01 October 2011. Festival organizers said tickets for the show are available at Computicket and Shoprite stores. The two musical icons have in the past shared the stage but rarely do so nowadays because of their increasingly busy schedules. This makes this show entirely special and one not to miss for our fans in Maseru. If you are in Lesotho, make a date with Samanyanga for a joyous musical journey...

Culled from Tuku Music