The Stanbic Jacaranda Music Festival left it’s purple trail with a purple patch in Harare as different local and foreign music acts impressed over 3 days.
Feli Nandi, Mokoomba, Nutty O, Cassper Nyovest (South Africa), James Sakala (Zimbabwean born Zambian who performed with Hope Masike), Aga Nyabinde, Mary Anibal, Nomfusi, Master H (he actually turned up), Freeman HKD, Jose Sax were just some of the names that performed. DJ Mox and Nikki in the stars were the MCs.
Oliver Mtukudzi’s last manager Walter Wanyanya outdid himself this time, paying attention to detail, when it comes to his brainchild.
The event was held about 15km from the Harare CBD along Second Street at Thorn Park Polo Grounds. The business workshop was held at The Venue in Avondale.
An ecstatic Wanyanya said: “Thank you so much to all the partners and sponsors that made The Stanbic Bank Jacaranda music festival possible, Thank you to the #SJMF team for your love, dedication and drive for excellence, Thanks to YOU for accepting the invitation to celebrate life with us. The City – The People – The Music See you again in 2025 !!!”
Event organiser Tariro neGitare, even without her increasing collection of guitars, managed to pull the strings for Ngoma Nehosho, the organisers.
Commenting on the workshops she said: “The Stanbic Jacaranda Music Business conference [brought] together brilliant minds from the music industry, all united by a passion for learning and growth. From insightful panels to dynamic networking sessions, we dove deep into the ever-evolving landscape of music business.’
“At the heart of it all [was] our commitment to education and empowerment. Knowledge is power, and we believe that continuous learning is essential for success in this vibrant industry. “
Indications from musicians and their management showed that the well-subscribed high-end event was equally pleasing to those behind the scenes.
A fluent PA system and top-notch sound engineering ensured neither 1 note nor 1 chord was missed by the ecstatic crowds treated to short bursts of each artist’s finest efforts.
Producer and instrumentalist Clive Mono Mukundu said: “Attendance was very excellent, very well attended despite the $30 per person charge.”
“Mokoomba was the best performance of the day for me, seconded by Sakala featuring Hope.”
“Sakala played Some Kalindula and ZamRock music”
Sakala who was born in Zimbabwe was inspired by Oliver Mtukudzi.
Mukundu described Sakala as “Very original, and authentic.” High praise, indeed.
Feli Nandi’s manager Connie Mazani said: “JMF, as always, was a wonderful experience. The team behind the scenes was refreshingly professional and provided the best environment for us to perform at our optimum.
“We appreciate the efforts they put in and hope to see such a standard across all events in our country. It was an absolute pleasure we hope to make the cut again next year!”
Hope Masike said: “It was fantabulous. Sakala was very knowledgeable and fun to work with. We are now brother and sister.”
Audiences were able to witness the next big artist from Zimbabwe, Mary Anibal, who has a new album out, produced by legendary producer and keyboardist Keith Farquharson.
Anibal is a music expert and teacher. She has reminded audiences of Chiwoniso Maraire, a contemporary and mentor while she was still at Ellis Robins. Anibal, who is a part of Jah Prayzah’s 3G band, also has a duet on her new album with Jah Prayzah.
Aga Nyabinde represented Afro Jazz well with new outfits for his Too nice band. He said: “JMF we had fun. I played “Chinangwa,” Sahwira wangu,””Chabuda hapana” and “Handikundike” which people really love. I loved the return of the festival culture in Zimbabwe. It feels good to be booked at a very professionally organised event like Jacaranda. The way they engage you, the way they book the artist, the freedom to perform, the PA system was on point, it was something else. It is my wish to see events like JMF in our country.”
Freeman HKD, Master H and Nutty O represented the ghetto youths impressively.
Nutty O’s articulation, voice projection and infectious tenor found a home at JMF.
His manager Diana Elisha Nheera said: “It was a phenomenal, high energy experience which was seamless from the organization, all the way to an electric chemistry between Nutty O and his audience.
“With his smooth switching between delivery of his much-loved cocktail of hit songs from his impressive catalog and talking to his Fans with such motivation, love, passion and gratitude. We enjoyed and none of it felt like work but a big party with the people.”
“The ‘power’ song had lights dimmed and everyone putting their phone light up and it was a spectacular sight! He had the audience eating from the palm of his hand from the get go, ending it, as always, with reminding people to love on one another and to check on one another constantly with SAFE! This was obviously the showstopper of all 3 days! Many people are still glowingly talking and posting about it! And I am SATISFIED.”
“JMF is a fully recommended stage for both rising and big acts alike, waxing great and i particularly viva the level of professionalism, ease of doing business and time management throughout the festival. The growing Business Segment of the festival also is quite applauded and appreciated, making the 5-day event a much-needed full bouquet that brings the cities and countries of Africa together for good vibes.”
“What a superb set by DJ Neptune (Nigeria) who stealthily went into the hearts of the audience by dedicating the first 15 minutes of his set to Zim Music! Smooth, right? I was ecstatic when he came blaring Bugatti by Nutty O among other hits by our own Superstars!
“He then took it to SA’s Amapiano before sliding to his own Afro-Beats and the audience was on their toes and singing their lungs out along to the big songs throughout his one-hour set. I was impressed!
“Then Mufasa and Cassper Nyovest, came on with his big energy, effortless dances and had us singing along to his mother tongue! His set was rather short but sweet. His clearly die-hard fans were well indulged and from his catalog he served a select set of cool songs.”
Nheera commented on the JMF recipe saying: “We [the artists] all have very successful shows home and away. Each act is a superpower on its own serving the objectives of the show. Getting these powers combined in a lineup is a flex and an indulgence for the audience of each event.”
On her artist she said: “Nutty O did not miss the opportunity to perform his latest single, a song of hope and resilience – JEGERA! Telling his Fans to hold on, and that even if your plans don’t shape out today, try again tomorrow and the next day until you are there!”
Nutty O performs with a band featuring Chris 99 (Nutty O’s brother) on vocals, Makangula on the Vocals, Connie 3D Keys on the keys, Tafara the Drummer, Traver Musariri the Bassist, DJ Fambo the Selector and Raymond Zishiri the Logistics Manager.
