The love of things keeps us going

I love things. And judging by what HIFA showed, I’m not the only one. The people came out in droves: locals from all walks, regional tourists and even a couple of jazz-loving, brandy-swigging Ozzies.

Angelique Kidjo is awesome – she put on a show the kind of which I hadn’t experienced yet: energetic, soulful and unbelievably LOUD. Not surprising considering Kitkins chose a spot close to the speaker assembly (and far from the bar). And I ain’t complaining cos we had a rocking good time!

The township jazz experience on Sunday, the last day, was unbelievable. So there I was, getting a bit of throat-fuel from the bar, when these two *really* high Aussies start arguing over the origins of kwela music. Strange, I thought, considering I expected them to be discussing the merits of Stuart MacGill in the one-day game more than African township music. Well, they assured me, they may love their cricket and “footy”, but jazz was their first love, and they made the trek from Sydney just to experience what they heard was one of Africa’s premier events. After Cape Town, of course (which they say was totally awesome).

Ozzies. Talking Miriam and Hugh and Dolly and Abdullah like they were their best friends. Wonders never cease.

So long weekend over, Harare Fest over, back to work and the drudgery of daily life in the Fun Capital. Bleurgh.