Published by the government of Zimbabwe
2 May 2008
Harare — Jazz Invitation, one of Zimbabwe's foremost jazz ensembles featuring lead guitar prodigy Louis Mhlanga, thrilled music lovers at the Harare International Festival of the Arts' Coca-Cola Green Stage.
The collaboration brought much energy on stage and sent the crowds wild with each song.
It was one of the rare occasions when the group played with some of the sought-after musicians -- the likes of Mhlanga and Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana on vocals, Kelly Rusike on bass guitar, Sam Mataure on drums and Adam Chisvo on congas.
Somewhere halfway through the show, Mhlanga gave fans a treat when he performed the crowd's favourite tune -- Distance Lover popularised locally as Mai Chisamba Talk Show signature tune.
The crowd still could not get enough of him and he had to play another gem titled Hakuna Mari as well as other tracks from the albums Shamwari and Tinganekwane.
Although Mhlanga is a guitar player by profession, he loves all instruments, from the traditional to the modern, and works with a diverse range of musicians from all over the world.
He does not limit himself to any particular style of music and is open to various musical influences.
He says: "My music is just an expression of my experiences and the connection I have with day-to-day events. It is also about the happiness I feel when I'm able to reach other souls through my music."
Besides the two albums Shamwari and Tinganekwane -- 'Mukai' released in 1997 which included Kelly Rusike (bass), and the late Jethro Shasha (drums) is his third album.
Other projects include 'Musik ye Afrika' which is Mhlanga's brainchild, assisted by fellow virtuoso musicians Jimi Indi and the late great Zimbabwean drummer Jethro Shasha.
Music ye Afrika is both a concept and a band with deep roots in diverse African sounds blended into dynamic and live polyrhythmic to create beautiful music.
But jazz diva Prudence along with founder members Kelly Rusike (bass), Sam Mataure (drums) and accompanied by Owen Chimuka and Bernie Bismark (keyboards), proved a force to reckon with when they played hits from their debut Rehearsal Room.
It was after the release of the album that Jazz Invitation became a household name having been in the peripheries of mainstream jazz scene.
Jazz Invitation is made up artistes individually who have individually performed in many countries of the world, where they have been warmly receive and highly acclaimed.
The 'invitation' concept has meant a dynamic and colourful array of top artists over the years, which has previously included gifted artistes such as Filbert Marowa, Richie Lopez, and Victor Duarte to name a few.
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