An initiative of the Jazz Foundation of SA, the festival is aimed at transforming live music entertainment in South Africa. The big band concept is based on a model that brings together groups of accomplished, world-class headline artists, both local and international.
The festival will feature a headline line-up of local jazz musicians like Caiphus Semenya, Madala Kunene, Herbie Tsoaeli, Simphiwe Dana, Nduduzo Makhathini, Feya Faku, and Marcus Wyatt. Performing alongside them on the two stages over the two-day festival are a foreign contingent comprising USA-based jazz artists Stefon Harris, Salim Washington, and Kenny Garrett as well as Dutch national Paul Van Kamenade. The artists will perform with an all-star big band drawn from a pool of talented local musicians.
Jazz Foundation of South Africa CEO Oupa Salemane says: “The launch of this festival certainly augurs well for the city of Tshwane. The event will not only breathe a new lease of life into the city’s cultural calendar, but will indeed boost the city brand’s international profile, boost tourism, offer a desperately needed fillip to the economy and contribute to job creation.”
“Another unique element of this festival is the focus on developing local talent. The collaborative performances will be augmented by a series of workshops and master classes conducted by members of the headline international cast, aimed at up-skilling up-and-coming musicians and music students through knowledge sharing,” comments Salemane.
The festival will deploy two stages: an indoor 500-seat arrangement as well as an outdoor amphitheatre that seats 2000 guests. Tickets are now on sale through Computicket. With a one-day pass available for R500 and a two-day pass at R650.
