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Zimbabwe: Nigerian Ayo Jets in for Jazz Festival
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 Published by the government of Zimbabwe |
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The Herald (Harare)
18 July 2008
Posted to the web 18 July 2008
Harare
KUNLE Ayo, one of the major draw cards to the ongoing Winter Jazz Festival, jetted into the country yesterday.
The Nigerian guitar wizard, who has since moved base to South Africa, arrived in the company of percussionist Israel Ajabe while the rest of his band is expected this afternoon.
Kunle promised fireworks when he shares the stage with Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi, Rute Mbangwa and Summer Breeze on Day Two of the festival to be held at the Rainbow Towers this evening.
"I am looking forward to a memorable festival.
"I have always wanted to perform in Zimbabwe and being my first time here, I can promise my fans a show to remember.
"I am looking forward to a successful festival. But, the main purpose of our visit is to spread the gospel of peace, love and oneness among the people of Harare.
"We are also quite aware of the challenges the people of Zimbabwe are facing but we feel that time has come that the brothers to work together for the good of the nation," he said.
The 35-year-old, who has had a number of collaborations with South Africa-based Zimbabwe-born singer Louis Mhlanga, said he was also looking forward to recording a duet with Mtukudzi among other artistes.
"I had a good working relationship with Louis (Mhlanga) and having shared the stage with Tuku before is something I have always wanted to be repeated in my life.
"I respect him as a professional artiste and hopefully our relationship will continue after the jazz festival," he said.
Kunle said he was also hoping to strike a deal with a reputable distributor to market his music in Zimbabwe.
He said he was elated after being paired with Tuku whom he has shared the stage with before.
"I have shared the stage with Tuku before. I respect him as a professional artiste and sharing the stage with him in his own backyard is something I have always wanted to happen," he said.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, the award-winning crooner started playing the guitar at the age of 20, having started with the drums and thumb piano.
His first major musical break came in 2000 after joining some of Nigeria's reputable artistes such as Chief Ebenezer Obey, Kayode Olajide and the enigmatic Lagbaja (The Masked One) touring Europe, North Africa and South America.
A polished performer, Kunle will be remembered for taking part in the 2006 Joy of Jazz Guitar Summit which paraded other jazz gurus such as Jimmy Dludlu, Alvin Dyers and Louis Mhlanga.
Kunle, who relocated to South Africa in 2002, has been causing quite a stir in the sub-region with his entrancing jazz melodies.
He was confident that he has a huge following in Zimbabwe although his music was not readily available in most record shops.
"As an artiste with a huge fan base, I know the challenges that lie ahead and I am looking forward to a successful festival. I am also looking forward to educate people to love one another using music ," he said.
He said he was also ready to collaborate with a number of Zimbabwean artistes having done so with Mhlanga.
Meanwhile, the festival hots up when Maleather, Willis Wataffi, Victor Kunonga, Prince Edward Jazz Band and Churchill High Jazz Band take to the podium at Jazz 105 tomorrow tonight.
The curtain comes down tomorrow when Dino Mudondo, Selmor Mtukudzi and Transit Crew cater for revellers at the venue.
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The Sunday show is also special as it coincides with the Dynamos' Champions' League match against Ivory Coast soccer giants Asec Mimosa where the after-party show will be held at Jazz 105.
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