HARARE, Aug.19,2025 (NewsDay Live)- A groundbreaking cultural initiative, "Frank Salis Experience - The Zambezi Sessions," is set to bring together five exceptional musicians from five different nations for a two-week creative residency and concert tour in Zimbabwe and Zambia this September.
Under the artistic direction of acclaimed Swiss Hammond organist Frank Salis, the project aims to foster cultural dialogue and regional engagement through the universal language of jazz.
The ensemble, a fusion of diverse talents and backgrounds, includes: Frank Salis (Switzerland) –keyboard; Alex Wasily (USA) – trombone; Max Covini (Italy, based in Zimbabwe) – drums; Mr Chanx (Zambia) – guitar; and Theresa Muteta (Zimbabwe) – vocals.
This unique collaboration will see the band undertake a creative residency, culminating in a series of public concerts and workshops designed to engage and inspire young musicians in schools and cultural centres. The initiative is a powerful showcase of how collaborative creation through music can build bridges and celebrate our shared humanity.
A key highlight of the tour is the inclusion of the Harare and Bulawayo concerts as official events of the esteemed Zimbabwe Jazz Festival. This partnership underscores the project's commitment to supporting local arts and culture while providing a platform for international and regional artists to connect with Zimbabwean audiences.
"The Zambezi Sessions is a testament to the power of collaboration," says Fanny Gauthier, director of Alliance Francaise Harare.
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"This project is more than just a musical tour; it's an opportunity to create a shared experience, celebrate our differences and connect through the rhythms of jazz.
"We are incredibly grateful to our partners for helping us realise this vision."
The project is made possible through the generous support of a consortium of international partners who share a commitment to artistic exchange and collaboration. This includes the French, Swiss, Zambian and Malawian embassies in Zimbabwe, the Alliance Française network (Harare, Bulawayo, and Lusaka), the US Embassy Harare and the Embassy of Italy.