Harare -- South African jazz crooner Hugh Masekela leads the list of performers at the Harare Jazz Festival scheduled for Harare Sports Club on April 17.
Masekela is a trumpet player and arranger best known for the 1968 jazzy instrumental hit Grazing in the Grass.
His other popular hits locally include Mandela (Bring Him Back Home) and Shebeen.
The Independence eve festival will see Masekela sharing the stage with Zimbabwean groups among them, the Cool Crooners Mbare Trio and music Oliver Mtukudzi.
Other heavyweights expected at the second edition of the Festival include the internationally acclaimed Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Sibongile Khumalo and Themba Mkhize.
Bernie Bismark, who is the festival director, said this year's festival has grown bigger and better. She said Masekela was happy to come and perform in Zimbabwe.
“He is making a comeback to Zimbabwe after so many years and he is looking forward to visiting Zimbabwe. He wants to connect with his fans and local musicians as well," she said.
“We have noted that several jazz groups have not had a chance to perform with international artistes, and this show will present them with the opportunity.
Masekela is a trumpet player and arranger best known for the 1968 jazzy instrumental hit Grazing in the Grass.
His other popular hits locally include Mandela (Bring Him Back Home) and Shebeen.
The Independence eve festival will see Masekela sharing the stage with Zimbabwean groups among them, the Cool Crooners Mbare Trio and music Oliver Mtukudzi.
Other heavyweights expected at the second edition of the Festival include the internationally acclaimed Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Sibongile Khumalo and Themba Mkhize.
Bernie Bismark, who is the festival director, said this year's festival has grown bigger and better. She said Masekela was happy to come and perform in Zimbabwe.
“He is making a comeback to Zimbabwe after so many years and he is looking forward to visiting Zimbabwe. He wants to connect with his fans and local musicians as well," she said.
“We have noted that several jazz groups have not had a chance to perform with international artistes, and this show will present them with the opportunity.
