2nd Time Around At Jazz Fest: In Rhythm With Scarlet and James Sakala Carrying On Tradition

the Exclusive By. The Lord Kempson Ari weYulu

@ZambiazHarshTag ● @KempsonAri

kalembaweyulu.wordpress.com 

W

ith rehearsals and the pressure of a massive show, it is seldom you get a chance to jam, play percussion, hear unreleased material and also interview two buzzing acts on a Saturday afternoon and go into the evening. I was at the right place at the right time and had a candid dialogue with Scarlet (@Scarlet_MwanaOK) and James Sakala (@JaySaThomas), who where both opening acts at the inaugural Jazz Fest and will now both be headlining the second edition of the Stanbic Jazz Festival (@JazzFestStanbic). I seized the opportunity because I knew the next time I would see them would be backstage getting on stage to shut it down!

Scarlet “Mwana O Kondwela” oozes enough soulfulness to make the blues weep, an effortless performer with that rich Baduesque texture in her lyric and delivery. Before she gave an impromptu acoustic performance and belted out original classics such as Peace and cult classics Igo Igo backed by James at the Alliance Français Fun Day Open Day, I had to find out on behalf of the fans (which I am too) what jazz Scarlet will bring to the Jazz Fest platform. “This time round is different and I’m less nervous”, affirmed the So Good Entertainment (@sogoodonline) artist Scarlet, “but also because I get a full hour to perform my set”. She elaborated that an hour will give her more time, a chance to play around with her playlist and deliver more diversity and depth. The audience can expect original material both old and new as well as some bits from the new album. Hence team Scarlet followers can anticipate a top notch live show with that original Scarlet African flavor. She will be backed by the Elect Band and will bring hype because as she said, “you have to believe in your own hype and deliver on it!”      

The talented guitarist, songwriter, producer and vocalist that is James Sakala is also billedto do his thing in the traditional folk manner and various styles he always delivers. After he was done entertaining the daytime crowd we vibed before his intimate grown folk performance for the Jazz Appreciation Society. “I cannot promise America or Europe to the crowd, but I can promise I will bring Zambia in full effect because I know Zambia,” where James’ opening remarks for the people. On that patriotic note, he unashamedly professed that his set will be rooted in our heritage and was excited to be given the platform to remind people where we are coming from. Thus the people can expect a Prof. Peter “PK” Kalumba Chishala like vernacular spectacular performance from the man with few words but many lyrics, voices and virtuoso guitar skills. It will be an event of epic proportions indeed as he carries on tradition.

      

Before becoming a headline act and getting on the bill, there is the struggle of just getting on stage that only the day one fans see. Young acts headlining however is a sign of growth both on the artist’s part and the Zambian industry and music scene. Only those who persevere will archive is the lesson we can learn from Scarlet and James Sakala. From opening for Bra Hugh to sharing the arena with multiplatinum acts Earl Klugh (@earlklugh), African legend Tuku and Mi Casa. All the best and will be there to support quality local music, and we will see you at Jazz Fest on 2 & 3^rd October 2015. Get in rhythm and those tickets now from designated Stanbic branches!

  

For more with Scarlet and James Sakala, tune in to Surviving The Times: Talking The Struggle and Surviving The Zambian Music Scene With James Sakala and Scarlet at https://kalembaweyulu.wordpress.com/2015/09/22/surviving-the-times-talking-the-struggle-and-surviving-the-zambian-music-scene-with-james-sakala-and-scarlet/