The Windhoek Jazz Festival returns to the capital with Mozambican guitar master Jimmy Dludlu as headliner, leading a lineup that mixes Namibian stars with top southern African acts under the theme 'Let's Jazz It Up'. The City of Windhoek hosts the event, which
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Who is headliner Jimmy Dludlu?
Dludlu, a South Africa-based Mozambican guitarist, is a self-taught musician whose style blends West and Central African sounds with traditional and modern elements. He won best contemporary jazz album at the South African Music Awards in 1998, and his debut album 'Echoes' earned him the best newcomer award at the same ceremony.
'Echoes' remains his most successful release. Verve Records issued the album in nine countries, including the United States, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden and Hungary. His hit 'Motherland' is still considered a street anthem by Namibian contemporary jazz lovers, according to
His more recent catalogue includes 'Point of View', 'Tara Tara', 'So Close Yet So Far', 'After Midnight' and the single 'Winds of Change'. Dludlu has made cameo appearances at the Windhoek Jazz Festival in the past and has become a familiar face at the event.
South African tribute band Artwork Sounds will also perform, delivering a set honouring the late Hugh Masekela and Oliver Mtukudzi, both of whom played the festival in past editions.
Which Namibian artists complete the lineup?
Erna Chimu leads the local contingent. Known on the continent as the 'Mama Africa' of traditional folk music, Chimu has become a permanent feature at the festival and has released three studio albums, with songs including '||Ae Ta Ma Ta Ha', '|Honos', 'Daniba Sam Re', 'Telewaniba' and 'Uprising'.
Afrofusion singer Big Ben, who has added the saxophone to his repertoire alongside guitar, is another local name with headliner potential. He recently filled the Zoo Park amphitheatre in Windhoek, and his set of hits, from 'Kini Kini' to 'Kukut', 'Peli', 'Ongororoweya' and 'Mbinyanda Ondenga', has proven pulling power on big stages.
Saxophonist Suzy Eises, trained at leading jazz schools in South Africa, performs Afrojazz and has released her own songs, including 'Only You & Harambee' and 'Lowkey' featuring guitarist Slickartie. Guitarist and singer Sagarias Tsam, born on a farm outside Tsumeb and now based in Swakopmund, makes his first festival appearance after several failed attempts to secure a slot.