Frank Salis Experience – The Zambezi Sessions Set to Unite Musicians Across Borders
A groundbreaking cultural project, “Frank Salis Experience – The Zambezi Sessions,” will bring together five musicians from five different countries for a two-week creative residency and concert tour in Zimbabwe and Zambia this September.
The initiative, led by acclaimed Swiss Hammond organist Frank Salis, seeks to promote cultural dialogue and regional engagement through jazz. The ensemble features Frank Salis (Switzerland) on keyboard, Alex Wasily (USA) on trombone, Max Covini (Italy, based in Zimbabwe) on drums, Mr Chanx (Zambia) on guitar, and Theresa Muteta (Zimbabwe) on vocals.
The residency will culminate in a series of public concerts and workshops designed to inspire and mentor young musicians in schools and cultural centres. By combining diverse musical backgrounds, the project demonstrates how collaborative creation can bridge cultures and celebrate shared humanity.
A major highlight will be concerts in Harare and Bulawayo, which are officially part of the Zimbabwe Jazz Festival. This partnership strengthens the project’s mission of supporting local arts and culture while creating opportunities for international and regional artists to engage with Zimbabwean audiences.
Fanny Gauthier, director of Alliance Française Harare, praised the initiative. “The Zambezi Sessions is a testament to the power of collaboration. This project is more than just a musical tour; it is an opportunity to create a shared experience, celebrate differences, and connect through the rhythms of jazz.”
The project is backed by a consortium of partners committed to artistic exchange. These include the French, Swiss, Zambian, and Malawian embassies in Zimbabwe, the Alliance Française network in Harare, Bulawayo, and Lusaka, the US Embassy Harare, and the Embassy of Italy. Their collective support ensures the initiative not only highlights jazz but also builds lasting connections across borders.
The “Frank Salis Experience – The Zambezi Sessions” is set to leave a lasting mark on Southern Africa’s cultural calendar, demonstrating the unifying role of music in today’s world.
