October is a very special month in the city of Harare as the streets turn purple with the blooming of the jacaranda trees. The change of season also marks a period of celebration as the city hosts one of the country’s biggest music festivals, The Stanbic Jacaranda Music Festival (SJMF). Founded by Zimbabwean entrepreneur and music executive Walter Wanyanya has become one of the most anticipated fixtures on the cultural calendar.
It has become ceremonial that days prior to the start of the festival for the Jacaranda team to host a music business conference facilitated by industry experts sharing knowledge on issues within the sector. This year, The Venue, located in the suburb of Avondale, opened its doors for a two day conference from the 4th to the 5th of October. The list of accomplished speakers included Yvonne Chaka Chaka, J-Something of Mi Casa, MisRed, Tafadzwa Zimoyo , Taku Chihambakwe, and Ano Shumba to name a few.
All roads led to Old Hararians Sports Club as there was buzz and excitement as people were prepared to enjoy an eventful weekend of entertainment. The social media hashtag #SJMF2023 went viral as people were posting their tickets in anticipation of the festival.
Marked around the themes of celebrating music people and the city, the festival has built a reputation over the years of attracting some of the best musical talent in the region. This year was no different as the festival lineup included Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Sun El Musician, Amara Brown, Tamy Moyo, Black Motion, Ndlovu Youth Culture and American jazz fusion band Brickhead to name a few.
Hosted by Star FM’s DJ Mox, the first day of the StanbicJacaranda Festival sparked the lights on what would be a memorable weekend. These Guys Vacho staked a claim as one of the highlights of the weekend performing folk songs which were a combination of masterful instrumentation and hard hitting lyrics.
One of Zimbabwe’s best Afro house talents, Jason LeRoux later joined the stage and made the crowd dance through out his set. Mannex Motsi and Chiweddar DJ evoked a sense of nostalgia as their performed popular crowd favorites in their sets.
Tamy Moyo brought some energy to the stage as her set was nothing short of amazing. She showcased her prowess as a performer leaving an experience that will stick with those that witnessed it for a very long time. Marimba Pitch were the final performance of the evening on the opening night and their set exuded elegance. The South African duo made up for Daliwonga’s absence as their growing Zimbabwean fan base was left asking for more.
The second day of the Jacaranda Music festival lived up to the hype with an impressive lineup of musical performances. Sylent Nqo took the crowd on a riveting journey with his guitar and vocals and delivered a psychedelic set with the assistance of his band The Noisemakers. Grammy award winning group Lady smith Black Mambazo showed their class as their acapella harmonies and made the crowd erupt when they performed their megahit “Nomathemba”.
One of the most wholesome moments of the weekend occurred when Selmor Mtukudzi and Tendai Manatsa invited their son to perform one of his grandfather, the late Dr Mtukudzi’s songs paying homage to one of the greatest musicians to ever come out of Zimbabwe.
One of the most anticipated acts on Saturday, South African sensation, Ami Faku, delivered a soulful performance that kept the crowd singing through out her set. When she turned the microphone towards the crowd to sing her songs AsibeHappy’ and ‘Pakhade lami’ she was not disappointed as they sang it word for word.
Zimbabwean crooner Ex Q showed up to the occasion performing fan favorite songs from his impressive catalogue. His set united the young and the old as they both shared admiration and sang along to his biggest hits like ‘Tsvigiri’ and Maidei.
The Final performance of Saturday was delivered by Black Motion who made the crowd dance fusing percussion and a live DJ set to the enjoyment of all those who were gathered at Old Hararians. One of the most memorable parts of their performance is when they played Zimbabwean artist Enzo Ishall’s song “Siki” to the delight of the crowd. The South African Afro House duo left the crowd asking for more and concluded an amazing second day of musical entertainment.
On Sunday the 8th of October, The Ndlovu Youth Choir left a lasting impression on Sunday. The former America’s Got Talent contestants showcased their flair with a harmony packed performance led by hits such as Miriam Makeba’s “Pata Pata” renditions of Oliver Mtukudzi’s “Neria“.
Ammara Brown maintained her reputation of being an astute performer as she combined dance and pulsating vocals for a chilling performance characterized by her hits “Akiliz” and “Wachu Want”.
One of the fore runners of Afro house music, Sun- El Musician concluded proceeding by taking the crowd to another dimension showing off his impressive catalogue. He performed his mega hits “Sonini” and “Ubomi Abumanga” with excellent crowd control wrapping up what was a monumental weekend of diverse genres.
The Jacaranda Music Festival was a success due to collaboration of corporates and elite management as numerous sponsors such as Stanbic Bank, TDW, EconetHoldings, Rooneys and several other’s combined to make the festival run smoothly. Everything from the food experience to the festival lineup was well curated. Post the festival, on social media, first time festival goers and regulars were sharing their weekend experiences pledging to return to next year’s edition. With the Jacaranda Music Festival dates for next year’s edition already announced for the 3rd to the 5th of October 2024., the count down begins.
