Staff Reporter
Zimbabwean jazz enthusiasts are in for a treat next month as UK-based trumpeter Paul Lunga returns home to headline the Zimbabwe Jazz Festival. Scheduled for September 20 and 21, the two-day event will take place in Bulawayo and Harare, promising to reignite the passion for jazz music across the country.
Lunga, a veteran musician with deep roots in Zimbabwe’s jazz scene, has been living in the United Kingdom for several years, where he has continued to refine his craft and gain international acclaim. His homecoming shows are highly anticipated, with many fans eager to experience his unique blend of traditional jazz with modern influences.
The festival will mark a significant moment for Zimbabwean jazz, which has seen a resurgence in recent years, thanks to the efforts of artists like Lunga who are dedicated to preserving and promoting the genre. The Bulawayo show will be held at the City Hall, while the Harare concert is set to take place at the iconic Harare International Conference Centre (HICC).
Speaking from his base in London, Lunga expressed his excitement about returning to Zimbabwe to perform. “Jazz has always been a big part of Zimbabwe’s cultural fabric, and I’m thrilled to be coming back home to share my music with the people who have always supported me,” he said. “I believe this festival will help reignite the love for jazz in our country and inspire a new generation of musicians.”
The Zimbabwe Jazz Festival is expected to draw large crowds, with jazz aficionados from across the country and beyond expected to attend. Organizers have promised an unforgettable experience, featuring not only Lunga’s performances but also a lineup of other talented local and international jazz musicians.
“This festival is more than just a celebration of music; it’s about bringing people together and showcasing the rich talent that Zimbabwe has to offer. With Paul Lunga leading the way, we’re confident this event will be a major success and help cement Zimbabwe’s place on the global jazz map,”,” said festival coordinator Tendai Mupfurutsa
As the festival dates approach, excitement is building among jazz fans, who are eager to witness what promises to be a landmark event in Zimbabwe’s cultural calendar.
