Clare Nyakujara- Jazz Has a New Face

January 30, 2009 by ZimboJam ·
Filed under: Entertainment, Arts & Culture, Music & Dance

On Friday 6 February (2009) The Mannenberg Jazz Club proudly welcomes Clare Nyakujara and The Other Four for an exciting performance of afro jazz at the Fife Avenue late-night venue which features Zimbabwean jazz artists regularly. Clare will perform under the banner of the Female Literary, Arts & Music Enterprise (FLAME), a Pamberi Trust project.

Every child dreams of being a star and Clare was no exception, starting out at the age of 10 in the church choir, and soon making her way to ‘the front’. In 2002 she became exposed to different types of music and found herself drawn to jazz after listening to Zimbabwean artists of different jazz styles – Luck St Blues, Dudu Manhenga & Color Blu, and The Other Four. Over time she joined Dumi Ngulube & Amagents, Mateo (of ‘Pamuhacha’ fame) and Dino Mudondo, on backing vocals, performing with them at HIFA, the annual Winter Jazz Festivals, club and corporate gigs, and giving vocal support to other up and coming young groups in the capital.

Last year Clare started writing her own music, and also took up the guitar ‘more seriously’ which opened up huge capacity for developing her own creativity. Her musical influences are Kate Melua, Miriam Makeba and Aretha Franklin, and naturally her style developed from there into a unique blend of these, but rooted firmly in Africa.

Currently working on a 10-track CD which is near completion, Clare says her music is a ‘fusion of jazz with lots of acoustic sounds and an ethnic vibe’. And like so many famous singers of the world who have grown up in the practice of worship, Clare’s gospel background adds a deeper dimension to her music, and a more soulful delivery.

Clare Nyakujara now fronts for The Other Four, who are no strangers to Harare audiences and The Mannenberg stage, performing over the last 8 years in and around Harare and other main cities of the country. The current line-up is James “Jimmy” Buzuzi (guitar), Conrad Masimba (drums), Emmauel Chipa (bass) and Ushe on keyboards.

FLAME moves into its third year in February, with another great calendar of events and workshops for the promotion of women artists in Zimbabwe lined up.

The Friday 6 February performance is likely to reveal a fresh new sound and energy on the Zimbabwean jazz scene, with Clare emerging to show her stuff to the world. For those who love the genre- this is one show not to be missed!

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