HARARE - Jazz 105 is the place to be for jazz lovers tonight.

The Ladies in Jazz Festival, one of the best jazz festivals in Zimbabwe, roars to life tonight with 15 artistes expected to perform during the three-day event.

Organisers expect this year’s edition, which will run under the theme, “Some things in life are naturally sweet”, to take the festival to new heights.

“We have a quality lineup and we are expecting nothing short of total entertainment”, said Yasin Dhala one of the event organisers.

The festival, which is befittingly taking place during the 16 Days Against Gender-Based Violence, has chosen popular television presenter Rebecca Chisamba as the guest of honour.

The organisers are happy because this year’s even has attracted more musicians.

“Only 12 musicians shared the stage last year and we are glad that the annual festival is growing with the passage of each year,” said Dhala.

“Our local music industry is dominated by men and this is a sad scenario. If you check, even the so-called Big 5 is made up of only men. Even the great Olivia Charamba is overshadowed by her husband Charles Charamba”.

Part of the proceeds from the event will go to charity.

“Just like what we did last year when we donated some food hampers and cash to Mashambanzou, this year we are still deciding where to donate but we are thinking of returning to Mashambanzou”.

Ladies in Jazz Festival seeks to empower and promote women artistes in the country.

The confirmed lineup of artistes  include Chiwoniso Maraire, Ammara Brown, Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana, Plaxedes Wenyika, Adiona Maboreke-Chidzonga, Jean Masters, Rute Mbangwa, Cindy Manyavi, Queen Mashie, Pamela Zulu, Scoo, Selmor Mtukudzi, Sandra Ndebele, Massy and Pauline. - Vasco Chaya