Zimbabwe, Germany, Denmark and the US – a stunning international collaboration of world-class musicians comes to The Mannenberg stage on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 March, a warm welcome home for “CHIWONISO & MAX WILD”.

 

Backed by Danish Soren Moller (keyb), Jesse Lewis (US, guitar), and Zimbabwe’s very own Josh Mech (bass) and Clive Mutyasira (drums), this show promises “ a mesmirizing interlocking of mbira and saxophone”, crossing over between jazz and traditional and modern African rhythms – music without borders.

 

Max Wild and Chiwoniso unite to create a soundscape that transcends cultural divides with their unique fusion of jazz, funk, and ancient Africa melodies. Driven by the mesmerizing interlocking textures of the mbira and saxophone…Chiwoniso Maraire’s voice resounds with defiant strength and profound tenderness finding its counterpart in Wild’s soulful sax lines. With vocals that recall the fire of Angelique Kidjo and the rebellion of Thomas Mapfumo, coupled with saxophone melodies suggestive of the soul of Kenny Garrett and inspiration of Branford Marsalis, this duo embodies one of the most exciting cross-cultural collaborations in music today.

 

Supported in Harare by Pamberi Trust, African Synergy Trust and The Zimbabwe-German Society/Goethe  Institut, The Mannenberg shows are part of a wider Southern Africa tour, Harare being the third stop after Johannesburg and Blantyre, followed immediately after by Maputo, Mozambique, and Malverns, Swaziland before winding up back in the City of Gold in April where they will feature again at The Bassline.

 

 

 

Mbira star Chiwoniso Maraire performs entrancing and uplifting songs with ancient soul and modern spirit.  Known and loved by Zimbabweans and music-lovers around the world, Chiwoniso is an icon in African music today.  In 1997, she released her first solo album, Ancient Voices, which was warmly received and even earned her the prestigious Radio France International "Best New Artist" award.  On Rebel Woman, her first internationally released album in over ten years, Chiwoniso's soulful and deeply personal songs offer messages of hope, inspiration and resistance, and serve notice that this gifted singer and songwriter merits recognition as one of Africa's greatest young talents.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Born to German parents, Max Wild grew up in Zimbabwe and began his musical career at the Zimbabwe College of Music before being awarded scholarships to attend the Guildhall School of Music in London and Manhattan School of Music in New York.  Since moving to the United States in 2002, Wild has been touring internationally with performances throughout North-America, Europe, and Africa.  Fifteen years later, Wild has become a musician who defies stylistic boundaries and whose music spans continents with a collision of jazz, rock, and African genres. Wild considers his musical path to be a direct reflection of his multi-cultural upbringing.   

 

33-year old Danish pianist/composer Soren Moller began playing piano at the age of 8, and by the age of 16 was making a living as a piano teacher and accompanist, while still taking lessons in jazz piano from some of Denmark most well known pianists. At 19 he was admitted to the Rhythmic Music Conservatory in Copenhagen, and later continued his studies at the Manhattan School of Music in New York where he quickly earned a reputation as a formidable piano talent. Soren has toured widely in the world with his own and other ensembles, including countries such as England, Germany, Norway, Italy, Holland, Zimbabwe (with Max in 2008), South Africa, USA and Denmark.

 

New York City based guitarist Jesse Lewis is rapidly becoming one of the most in-demand sidemen in the City's creative jazz scene.  A native of Boston, Lewis began playing cello at the age of 5, and discovered the guitar and the world of jazz in high school.  In 2002, Lewis moved to New York City to finish his undergraduate degree at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music, and has worked with some of the City's finest musicians.  In addition to his gigs in New York, he tours frequently as a sideman and has played at jazz clubs and music festivals throughout North America, South America, Europe, and Africa.

 

 

 

In 2007 and 2008 Max developed a close friendship and enjoyed rich collaboration with the late Sam Mtukudzi, who was scheduled to guest with Chiwoniso & Max on 27/28 March, but sadly passed away as a result of a car accident just the  week before the show.  While Sam is deeply mourned by his musical partners and friends, and his absence from the 2010 collaboration will be sorely felt, his creative input remains vivid and strong and his memory will live on in the music forever.

In Zimbabwe in recent years, Wild has appeared at both the Harare International Festival for the Arts (HIFA) and the Victoria Falls International Jazz Festival, and besides performing with Oliver and the late Sam Mtukudzi, has performed with award-winning musicians Victor Kunonga, Maletha, and Philbert Marowa.  

This March, Chiwoniso and Max perform with outstanding young Zimbabwean artists Josh Meck (bass) and Clive Mutyasira (drums), a tight combination for a solid groove to support the amazing artistry that will be unfolding.

 

 

  

The Mannenberg shows are Saturday 27 March at 9.30pm, and Sunday 28 March at 8pm, Fife Ave Mall cnr 6th Street (upstairs parking).