Jeys goes on three-nation EU tour

BULAWAYO-BASED Afro-Jazz sensation Jeys Marabini and his five-piece band will undertake a three-nation European) tour next month as the highly-acclaimed jazz outfit continues international musical sojourn.

BULAWAYO-BASED Afro-Jazz sensation Jeys Marabini and his five-piece band will undertake a three-nation European tour next month as the highly-acclaimed jazz outfit continues international musical sojourn.

NONHLANHLA SIBANDA OWN CORRESPONDENT

jeys-marabini-01Jeys and his band are pencilled to perform in Austria, Germany and Hungary. His five-piece group would include Kelvin Ndlovu (bass guitarist), Trevor Mnaphi (drummer), Mzingaye Ndlela (percussionist), Mthabisi Moyo (guitarist) and Dumisani Nkomo (vocalist).

Jeys’ latest seventh album Silo was recorded in Austria. He told Southern Eye Lifestyle he was elated to be invited to the European countries with his band, adding that this was an opportunity to spread Zimbabwean jazz music to international audiences.

“This is an opportunity for us as Zimbabwean artistes to share our music with other nations.

“It brings me much joy that I am able to go with the whole team,” the visibly elated Afro-jazz maestro said.

He added: “It just shows how much we have grown as a group. I have been with the group since 2002.

“This time our presentation will have a different feel because I usually have Austrian musicians backing me up.”

Jeys paid tribute to Dumisani Moyo and Insingizi, a Zimbabwean musical group based in Austria which was instrumental in organising the international tour. The afro-jazz outfit would have a chance of meeting with Inkululeko Yabatsha School of Arts who are already on tour in Austria.

The Jazz maestro said his last Austrian tour was fruitful as revellers had shown great appreciation of his music, leading to his genré being taught at some schools.

“The festival helped us further our knowledge of music. In one university my songs are being taught to students and my portrait has been put up in a music academy,” he said.

He has previously toured the United Kingdom, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Holland and the United States.