Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
13 July 2009
Algiers — A rare collaboration between jazz diva Rute Mbangwa and dub poet Albert Nyathi almost took music lovers by surprise at a gig held at SAFEX complex in the heart of Algiers.
For a combo which was hastily put together for the first time at the Pan African Festival, it surpassed the expectations and reached out to the crowds which were predominantly French and Arabic speaking.
Although Nyathi confessed to being a novice in French, his powerful and energised performances bridged the language barrier as if he was performing in his hometown.
Perhaps the version of Senze Nina (what have we done) was the best as Nyathi dressed in his traditional Ndebele attire crisscrossed on stage while Rute laced the recitals with her soulful voice.
The fact that Nyathi had been skipped from the programme did not dampen his spirits as he blended well with Rute's Jazz Sensation band.
Also not to be outdone was Rute who performed songs from her two albums: If My heart had a Voice and Rute Goes Kumanginde that delighted the audiences.
Her performance gave credence to the claim that she is ready to taken on the music scene if the choreography and stage etiquette is anything to go by.
Rute is one of the artistes representing Zimbabwe at the second Pan African Festival including prominent novelist Tsitsi Dangarembga, filmmaker Steven Chigorimbo, fashion designer Novell Zwangendaba, actor Tafadzwa Muzondo and sculptor Rickson Zavare.
The second edition is being held under the theme: 'African Culture Renaissance' and it seeks to reinforce the spirit of friendship and unity among the African people.
The first ever Panaf was held in 1969 and it featured the likes of Miriam Makeba and Salif Keita among others. Some of Africa's greatest musicians like Youssou N'dour, Mori Kante and Papa Wemba are billed to perform.
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