HARARE - Sungura and mbira rarely meet but when it involves the mbira queen Chiwoniso Maraire and sungura king Alick Macheso normal rules cease to apply.

Macheso, riding high following the release of his ninth album Kwatakabva Mitunhu (Kure Kwekure) last week, will share the stage with Chiwoniso for the first time at Jazz 105 in Harare on Wednesday next week.

Jazz 105 proprietor Josh Hozheri is delighted to have put together such a historic match-up.

“We are happy to bring to Jazz 105 two music luminaries who will be sharing the stage for the first time”, said Hozheri.

“Macheso is performing at the joint to promote his latest album Kwatakabva Mitunhu (Kure Kwekure).

“He wants his album to reach the upmarket audience that is why he chose Jazz 105 since it is an upmarket joint,” said Hozheri.

Hozheri said Chi, as Maraire if fondly referred to by her fans, is returning to Jazz 105 by public demand.

“The last time Chiwoniso performed at the joint was at Ladies In Jazz festival early this month and she left the packed house calling for more.

“So in order to give revellers value for money we have found it worthy to combine the two artistes on Wednesday,” he said.

Macheso has performed at the Jazz 105 on several occasions before but Wednesday’s show will be special as it will afford him to promote his ninth album.

The yet to be launched six-track album has received an overwhelming response on the market .The new album contains songs such as Chiri Mumaoko, Samasimba, Macharangwanda, Kutsvaga Chiremba, Zvipo and Cynthia.

On the other hand Chiwoniso, who commands a huge upmarket following, has of late tried to spread her wings into rural areas.

Last Saturday the former wife of the late Zimbabwe great Andy Brown performed at J and H nite club in the rural area Seke.

Her manager Tsungi Zvobgo admitted that Chiwoniso’s rural incursion began on a low note in Seke last Saturday.

“We were not surprised by low turnout in Seke because it was our first time there, we hope with each show the number will gradually rise,” said Zvobgo.

Chi’s manager is happy to return to the familiar Jazz 105 setting where the mbira songbird will sample new songs such as Madzibaba from her yet to be released album. - Vasco Chaya