THE 1970s era produced some of the best music, film, and fashion in history. It was a time universally influenced by the rock music genre, bell-bottoms, platform shoes, wrap dresses, leggings and corduroys.
Recently, the iconic decade was resurrected by Songs From A Room (Sofar) through a 70s-inspired live music concert and fashion experience held at Hyatt Regency Harare The Meikles on November 22.
Themed “Sofar 70s Retrospective,” the event was hosted on the hotel’s upper deck, where the swimming pool — with its sparkling clean water and blue-painted floor — created a stunning backdrop for the fashion catwalk and live music performances, all set against beautiful views of the city centre.
At the core of the event was a collaboration between Valentina Sardella of the upcycling fashion brand Pezzeculiar and visual artist Eva Raath. With Raath’s 70s-inspired prints and Sardella’s tailoring, the pair created a collection of 19 pieces using upcycled fabrics from the hotel, which included curtains and tablecloths.
Through the resourcefulness of Sardella and Raath, the discarded fabric from the hotel was repurposed and brought back to life.
The event was supported by Optinova Eye Care Zimbabwe and kicked off with two musical sets preceding the fashion showcase. Vera and The Husbands took the stage first, reimagining versions of 70s anthems, including ABBA’s Dancing Queen (1976), Earth, Wind & Fire’s September (1978), and Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody (released in 1975).
They were followed by Curfew At Midnight, a modern rock outfit led by Bantu Spaceship’s The Serpant (son of reggae veteran Man Soul Jah).
“I always enjoy an audience that understands the assignment of a theme and this crowd understood the assignment to the fullest and did not disappoint,” Vera told IndependentXtra.
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“I loved how everyone wore the different shades of the 70s from Afros and disco glitter, to mismatching patterns and loud bangs. Sofar is really on to something, by creating a community, an experience and a space of joy.”
Guests flocked to the venue in an array of outfits that captured the iconic era, featuring red and orange shades, black berets, oversized sunglasses, and a bold mix of patterns and colours.
Writer Tsitsi Nomsa Ngwenya, who wore a short body-hugging dress, black stockings, heels, and a black beret, found the event powerfully evocative.
“Looking at my parents’ photo album from the 60s and 70s, the ladies wore short dresses; they could either be flared or body-hugging, just like the one I wore for the event,” she recalled.
“I remember my father dancing to Mahotella Queens and Harry Belafonte. He told us how they would polish their shoes and then step on water and then on sand, so that when entering the church, each step would sound like music, making the girls turn around to notice them.”
Following the performances, a stunning fashion show commenced, showcasing a palette of earthy tones and a mix of vibrant colours. A highlight of the show was the inclusion of models from the Albino Charity of Zimbabwe, who sashayed down the catwalk with a graceful presence.
Raath, who is set to represent Zimbabwe at the Venice Biennale in Italy next year, took time to explain the inspiration behind each 70s-themed design. She cited North African tiles and mosaics, granite rocks found in Zimbabwe (Marondera), the flower power of the 70s as well as the scotch-patterned ‘taxi’ bags prominent throughout African communities.
“These shopping bags and carry bags that everyone uses across Africa to travel and carry their shopping inspired me to make the colours and pattern of this cloth. I think it is very iconic, and I wanted it to represent something powerful for the people of Africa,” she said during an interview.
Other prints in the collection were inspired by sources as diverse as the fur of wild dogs and a glow-in-the-dark green batik fabric.
Colourful paintings by visual artist Proud Sibanda, which were dotted around the venue, also complemented the brilliant match of colours worn by models during the fashion show.
The last music performance was presented by the band 1970 Something. The five-man band was assembled specifically for the concert and only started playing together after a three-day rehearsal.
According to organisers, the band embodies the spirit of discovery and community. It was handpicked from Harare's music scene by city curator Khumbulani Muleya together with music director Trymore Jombo.
It is a unification of uniquely gifted artists: reggae crooner Mannex Motsi on lead vocals, James Buzizi on rhythm guitar, Basil Mahachi on bass, Zeal on drums and Mokoomba lead guitarist Trust Samende on lead guitar.
Writer and researcher Percy Zvomuya closed off the concert with a DJ set that amplified the theme of the day, playing a selection of old-school music straight from vinyl.
The music platform will tomorrow host a pop-up concert as part of the Harare International Literature Festival. The event will be hosted at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe.
It will feature Mwenje Mathole alongside eight artists from South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
