The Zimbabwe Jazz Community Trust and Alliance Françaises collaborated to produce the Zimbabwe Jazz Festival 2025 during the weekend. The eighth edition took place in the capital, while Bulawayo hosted its fourth installment. Swiss composer Frank Salis led The Frank Salis Experience, a cross-continental ensemble that opened Friday's festivities at Alliance Française de Bulawayo. Local artist Dudu Manhenga delivered an exceptional afro-jazz performance alongside her sister, Zanele Manhenga, from Nobuntu. Award-winning saxophonist Vee Mukarati demonstrated his rising prominence in European jazz circles.
The festival featured The Zambezi Sessions, an ambitious two-week residency project spanning multiple Southern African cities. Five musicians from Zimbabwe, Zambia, Switzerland, Italy, and the United States participated in this creative journey. The tour began in Lusaka on September 5, continued through Mutare on September 7, and reached Victoria Falls on September 10. ZJCT, established in 2016, operates under a committee of artists and jazz enthusiasts committed to preserving Zimbabwean jazz heritage. The organization transforms Zimbabwe into a center for jazz innovation and cultural exchange.
The festival featured The Zambezi Sessions, an ambitious two-week residency project spanning multiple Southern African cities. Five musicians from Zimbabwe, Zambia, Switzerland, Italy, and the United States participated in this creative journey. The tour began in Lusaka on September 5, continued through Mutare on September 7, and reached Victoria Falls on September 10. ZJCT, established in 2016, operates under a committee of artists and jazz enthusiasts committed to preserving Zimbabwean jazz heritage. The organization transforms Zimbabwe into a center for jazz innovation and cultural exchange.
