International jazz artistes Steve Dyer and Suzanna Owiyo are expected in the country ahead of the Spar Solo Fest slotted in for this weekend at Pakare Paye Arts Centre.
The two internationally acclaimed artistes are set to share the stage at the solo festival, which features a line-up of up to 20 artistes, which includes the likes of Chiwoniso Maraire, Alexio Kawara, Munya Mataruse, Sulumani Chimbetu and many others, who are expected to make the event a worthwhile one.
Dyer remains one of the most prolific jazz artistes in the world bringing out that unique jazz vibe fused with afro-pop.
He plays the saxophone, flute and guitar and sings too.
Suzanna Owiyo, on the other hand, is an artiste of repute with three albums to her name, the latest being entitled "Roots" which features Oliver Mtukudzi and Mbilia Bel from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In December 2004, the Kenyan crooner sang at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert, where she performed the song "Imagine" with artistes such as Cyndi Lauper, Andrea Boceli Chris Botti and Patti Labelle
She was nominated for the Best Kenyan Female Artiste category at the prestigious Pearl of Africa Music Awards in 2007. The brainchild of iconic superstar Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi, the solo festival is now in its fifth year and has grown from strength to strength over the years.
This year's edition will witness a workshop and performances by secondary school pupils on today with the main acts taking to the stage tomorrow.
The performers include musicians, poets, dancers, instrumentalists, dramatists, comedians, storytellers and more.(allafrica.com)
