Phenomenal Ladies of Song at HIFA 2012

Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana in Concert

Venue: 7 Arts Theatre
Date: Fri 4, May
Time: 8.30PM
CC: USD8.00

Darling of the Zimbabwean stage, the hugely popular singer, songwriter, jazz musician and actor PRUDENCE KATOMENI-MBOFANA performs with a big band ensemble under the renowned Music Director, Robert O. Chambers.

Performing songs from her debut solo album, Prudence, this concert offers Harare audiences an opportunity to experience her many different facets as an artist. She has shared stages with acclaimed African artists, traveled widely in the region, toured in France with the famous jazz uncles ‘The Cool Crooners’, and performed in Norway. A chance to get up close and personal with a Zimbabwean music star at the height of her considerable vocal powers.

Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana

Edith WeUtonga 

Venue: Telecel Main Stage
Date: Sun 6, May
Time: 1PM
CC: USD10.00
 Edith WeUtonga has become a powerful force within the Zimbabwean music scene. With her seven piece band, Utonga she has turned perceptions about Zimbabwean female musicians on their head, with her committed bass playing and charismatic stage persona.

Edith and her musicians bring their incomparable energy to Telecel Main Stage for the first time, performing songs from her debut album UTONGA as well upcoming hits from the studio album she is currently recording before touring East Africa in July. From emotional ballads to dance tunes, this concert showcases the phenomenal talent of a rule-breaking Zimbabwean star.

Edith WeUtonga

Hope Masike

Venue: LAY'S Global Stage
Date: Thur 3, May

Time: 5PM
CC: USD8.00
After her phenomenal debut at HIFA in 2010 and a successful year in Norway, singer Hope Masike is back with her new album ‘Mbira, Love and Chocolate’.

Dubbed the ‘Princess of mbira’, this impressive Zimbabwean musician has taken mbira into new spaces including blues, samba and jazz.

Her HIFA concert promises to be a highlight of this year’s music programme and features an unusual musical conversation between music and… chocolate!

"…full of infectious optimism and energy.’ The Guardian

Netsayi

Venue: LAY'S Global Stage
Date: Sat 5, May

Time: 6.50PM
CC: USD8.00

One of Zimbabwe’s most acclaimed singer/songwriter’s, Netsayi’s music describes a personal journey, bringing together her many facets as a musician and as a Zimbabwean woman. She has developed a distinctive sound, combining jazzy vocals with mbira-inspired grooves; sometimes adding the subtle lilt of a reggae baseline or the sudden crack of a hip-hop rim. Her sound is playful as well as emotionally intense and sultry. Based for some years in London, she has played live on BBC Radio, has performed at the London Jazz Festival, Spitz, ICA, Royal Festival Hall and at WOMAD. We’re delighted to welcome this extraordinary Zimbabwean artist back to HIFA.

Netsayi

Chi Nhai Pfumojena: States Of Emotion

Venue: 7 Arts Theatre
Date: Sun 6, May

Time: 4PM
CC: USD10.00
From a world of love, pain, darkness and joy, come two voices in synchronized polyphony. Two voices and two stories that take the audience through myriad states of emotion, on a magical journey of musical and visual harmony.

The debut performance of a new musical partnership and an entirely fresh sound….Chi Nhai Pfumojena: States Of Emotion

Chiwoniso Maraire & John Pfumojena

These amazing musicians will mix it with other visiting artists such as Liz Ogumbo of Kenya, Senegalese Ishmael Lo, Maia Von Lekow(Kenya), Queendom(Norway) among others.  Harare International Festival of the Arts runs from the 1-6 May.

Compiled by Batsirai E Chigama