Zimbabwean Musicians Unite for Dave Moyo Benefit Concert
From Pamberi Trust
Musicians and music-lovers were saddened to hear of the passing away last week of brother and musician Dave Moyo, drummer, singer and music teacher, who died after a long illness. Out of respect for his contribution to the Zimbabwea music industry, ‘United Musicians for Musicians’, a voluntary group of musicians, have come together to present a benefit concert on Thursday 5 June at The Mannenberg Jazz Club, in his honour and to assist the bereaved family financially.
Benefit Concert
The show kicks off at 9.30pm, with a star-studded lineup, including Jazz Invitation, Prudence Katomene, Victor Kunonga, Dudu Manhenga & Color Blu, Tanga Wekwa Sando, and Filbert Marova with FADZ & Friends, and promises to be a show of note with excellent music performances strengthened by the spirit of brother (and sister)hood in the music community of Harare.
Dave Moyo- The Man, The Musician
Over the last two decades, Davey, as he was popularly known, played and recorded with some of Zimbabwe’s top groups, including Mhepo, the late James Chimombe, Band Six, Harare Drive, Sabuku, The Rusike Brothers, Jazz Invitation and others.
A gifted and experienced drummer, Dave was well known and loved by fellow musicians and audiences alike for his solid, rock-steady rhythms, over which so many good songs were created and performed. Valued as a reliable, disciplined and professional artist, he will be equally well remembered for his humble spirit and positive attitude.
He was also blessed with the ability and opportunity to nurture artists of the future, and taught drum students at the Harare International School, Prince Edward High School, Watershed and the Zimbabwe College of Music. Dedicated to his profession, Moyo was teaching up until Tuesday last week.
United Musicians For Musicians
United Musicians For Musicians’ is an artists initiative, an idea born when Kelly Rusike and Filbert Marova (founder members of Jazz Invitation) decided to do something about their deep concern for the fact that most musicians have no pension or ‘back up life support’, in the event of temporary or permanent injury or death.
Rusike said “More than often musicians are the sole breadwinners of their families and sometimes extended families too! And when this kind of situation arises, the task of fending for one’s family is left to either a spouse or relatives who are already overstretched or unable to do so. This is where the United Musicians For Musicians comes in. In our own small way we are trying to encourage ourselves to support each other and assist the families in times of such adversity. It forms a strong bond amongst us and teaches us to help ourselves. We are a voluntary group supporting ourselves, the musicians.”
In the current economic climate, artists are facing tougher life challenges than ever before, and have long ago learned not to expect or depend on support from any other quarter.
Welcome Development
Pamberi Trust is an arts organization which exists to facilitate the arts, and runs the Jazz Appreciation Society at The Mannenberg, funded by The W.K.Kellogg Foundation, to promote jazz and jazz musicians in Zimbabwe.
“This artists’ initiative is a welcome development,” said Penny Yon, project officer for Pamberi Trust. “It’s wonderful to see musicians getting together to support each other in these hard times, and I would encourage all artists to get involved. It’s a case of the art of survival for the survival of art.”
All featured artists are top names in the industry, who are giving themselves selflessly to the benefit concert, proceeds of which will be going to Dave Moyo’s family. The show Promises to be a great tribute to Dave Moyo, and a strong stand by musicians, for musicians of Zimbabwe.
Penny Yon
Pamberi Trust
31 May 2008
Written by fungaijames on June 3rd, 2008 with
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