Zimbabwe Jazz Festival 2024 announces line-up and dates

The festival, dubbed Sizzling Rhythms, will be held at the Alliance Française institutions located in both cities. The event will be headlined by UK-based Zimbabwean artist Paul Lunga and Swiss R&B, soul and jazz singer NNAVY.

The festival will kick off in Bulawayo on 20 September with performances from Paul Lunga and NNAVY, as well as local acts George Phahlane and Ngoma iNgoma. The Harare event will follow on 21 September, with Paul Lunga and NNAVY returning to the stage, which they will share with locals Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana, Agga Nyabinde, Rhythmic Pulse, Steve Chikotie, and the Hellenic Academy Big Band.

“The ZJCT is very grateful to the main sponsors that have remained consistent in supporting the annual Zimbabwe Jazz festival, in particular the French Embassy, the Alliance Française Harare and Alliance Française Bulawayo,” ZJCT chairperson Robert Basvi said. “Special thanks and credit must go to the Embassy of Switzerland in Zimbabwe, who have facilitated the joining of the celebrated NNAVY, to grace our festival this year.”

Commenting on artist selection, ZJCT founder and artistic director Filbert Marova said: “Each year, we embark on a meticulous search to identify the most exceptional artists who have demonstrated remarkable growth throughout the year. Our Back 2 Jazzics weekly event and the latest releases by local artists serve as valuable scouting grounds. For international artists, we were particularly drawn to Paul Lunga, whose contributions to the jazz industry are nothing short of phenomenal.”

He added: “The Swiss singer NNAVY also captured our attention with her meteoric rise in the past year. Ultimately, our artist selection is driven by a fervent passion for diversity and innovation within the jazz genre. We’ve meticulously curated a line-up that celebrates both established and emerging talents, ensuring a rich tapestry of sounds and styles that resonate with the heart of Zimbabwe's vibrant jazz scene.”

The Zimbabwe Jazz Community Trust, established in 2016, aims to revive, promote, and preserve Zimbabwe’s jazz culture, providing quality entertainment and education.

Tickets can be obtained at the Alliance Française in Bulawayo or Harare.