The Alliance Française de Harare came alive last Friday with an electrifying showcase of African musical excellence as Cameroonian sensation Marsi Essomba, Zimbabwean jazz maestro Josh Meck, and the soulful Tariro NeGitare took to the stage. Marsi, is a slammer, guitarist, rapper and producer.
He has nurtured his experience by collaborating with big names in African music such as: Lokua Kanza, Ticken Jah Fakoly , Marc Alexandre Oho Bambe dit Capitaine Alexandre.
By Dickson Bandera
The event, which began promptly at 6 PM, delivered on its promise of a vibrant celebration of African culture.
Tariro NeGitare set the tone with a captivating performance that ran until 7:30 PM, blending Zimbabwean folk with modern, soulful elements that resonated deeply with the audience. Her powerful vocals and heartfelt songwriting created a magical start to the evening.
Following her set, Marsi Essomba took over, lighting up the stage with his signature blend of traditional Cameroonian roots and contemporary Afro sounds. Dressed in a striking African blue-and-black dress complemented by a Zulu headpiece, Essomba exuded cultural pride and artistry.
He wowed the audience with his original song Love Is My Region, and when he performed Bob Marley’s Redemption Song, the entire house rose to its feet, swaying and singing along in unison.
The energy soared as Essomba invited Meck to join him on stage. Their collaboration was a masterpiece, seamlessly combining the conga, keyboard, bass guitar, and Essomba’s enchanting flute.
The duo’s rich Afro sound created a moment of pure musical magic, leaving the audience enthralled.”
A particularly heartwarming moment came when children from the local Alliance Française program delivered heartfelt messages to Essomba in fluent French. The crowd erupted in appreciation, touched by the children’s effort to connect with the visiting star in his native language. Essomba, visibly moved, applauded their gestures, adding to the evening’s sense of cultural exchange and unity.
Essomba also collaborated with spoken word artist Kuda Rice, blending his soulful melodies with Rice’s evocative poetry in a performance that was both thought-provoking and entertaining.
Josh Meck’s solo set was another highlight of the evening, with songs like “Akabatwa” proving to be crowd favorites. His intricate guitar skills and smooth, soulful vocals had the audience captivated. Meck’s performance, blending jazz, Afro-fusion, and mbira influences, further cemented his status as one of Zimbabwe’s most accomplished musicians.
The event attracted an impressive lineup of esteemed guests, including celebrated musicians Selmor and Tendai Manatsa, Mono Mukundu, Derrick Mpofu, and legendary poet and music icon Albert Nyathi.
European Union Ambassador Jobst von Kirchmann was also among the guests, enjoying the vibrant celebration of African unity.
As the night concluded, the audience left buzzing with excitement, their spirits lifted by an evening that celebrated the beauty and resilience of African identity.
Essomba and Meck are set to perform again tonight in Bulawayo, promising yet another night of unforgettable music.”
This event was not just a concert but a testament to the power of music in uniting cultures and fostering dialogue. Alliance Française de Harare once again demonstrated its commitment to cultural exchange, providing a platform for African talent to shine on the global stage.
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