Archive for September 2019

Home Archive for September 2019

The count down to the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival has officially begun. As you may have seen on my social platforms, I have beeeeen unleashing the jazz with my peeps and now it’s YOUR turn to up the ante on your jazz experience.

From 26-28 September 2019, Joburg will groove to the rhythm of jazz as the city celebrates the 22nd edition of the Joy of Jazz festival - Africa’s premier jazz festival that looks to connect people beyond age, gender and genres. Over 60 world-class artists will grace five stages over three days where Jazz lovers will be treated to a diverse range of musical genres.

The road to the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz has been exciting and now that the festival is just around the corner; I’m ecstatic about meeting some of the artists on this year’s line-up. One of them is ETUK UBONG!

Etuk was born in Nigeria in 1992 and was raised in Lagos. His mother’s encouragement steered him towards the trumpet at the age of 14 and later on he went to study at the Peter King College of Music and MUSON School.

One of Nigeria's rising stars, Etuk has already made a name in the UK. His latest single, Black Debtors, exploded on the UK music scene and is causing giant waves, resulting in the artist performing at some significant festivals in that country.

Etuk and his band featured at the Brain Child Festival in Brighton and also collaborated with musicians such as Seun Kuti at the Barbican Garden Party, and Dele Sosimi at Hackney’s Oval Space. He has, over time, demonstrated the strong roots he has within African musical spheres and this is a clear indicator of his growing success as a solo artist.

He has performed professionally for close to a decade and has featured on stages with renowned musicians such as Victor Olaiya, Femi Kuti and Buchi. Being exposed to this high calibre level of music helped develop his passion for music and, through his work with them, earned him his stripes.

The musician draws his inspiration from Jazz greats and styles such as Afrobeat, Highlife and Ekombi.

Catch him performing live on Day 2 of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival on Friday, 27 September 2019.

Tickets are available from Computicket and Checkers. Prices are as follows:

· Opening night: R750,

· 1 Day Pass Friday or Saturday: R795,

· 2 Day Pass: R1 350

American jazz giant Wynton Marsalis, who will unleash his magic at the upcoming 22nd Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 2019 festival from September the 26th to the 28th at Sandton Convention Centre, arrives in Johannesburg a few days before the festival to engage with South African artists and audience.

The celebrated trumpeter will be 'In Conversation" with an impressive selection of iconic panellists from both South Africa and the USA, and Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is calling on all jazz and music lovers to come join the discussion on Monday, 23 September. There is no cover charge but registering ASAP is crucial as there are a limited number of seats. Simply click on this link http://www.joyofjazz.co.za/inconversation-register to register. Easy ner!!!

From South Africa, musical icon and jazz singing sensation Gloria Bosman alongside pianist and composer, Nduduzo Makhathini, will be joined by jazz author and UCT associate professor, David B. Coplan.

From America, Wynton will be joined by fellow jazz luminaries; award-winning American flutist, vocalist and bassist, Camille Thurman and Seton Hawkins who serves as Director of Public Programs and Education Resources at the Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Camille

Wynton and the panelists will be discussing the connection between South African jazz and American jazz. This event will take place at the Market Theatre on September 23 from 10am until 12pm.

Marsalis, regarded by many as the face of Jazz, will be engaged with numerous activities during his visit to Jozi. He will be involved on September 24, Heritage Day, in a free Jazz for Young People – Educational Concert, as part of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz initiative, at Walter Sisulu Square, Klipsruit, Soweto.

He will also give three, very different, performances. One will be his appearance on Opening Night, September 26, on the Dinaledi stage with the 15-piece Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. This incredibly talented assemblage of international musicians will share the stage in a dazzling one-night only spectacle with Marcus Wyatt and the ZAR Jazz Orchestra.

The second night of the festival, September 27, will see Wynton Marsalis give a South African theme performed with compositions made famous by the country's own illustrious Jazz musicians. On the third and final night, September 28, Marsalis will delve into the classic works of Louis Armstrong and also feature a number of other compositions by renowned names.

Tickets to the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival are still available from Computicket and Checkers. Prices are as follows:

· Opening night: R750,

· 1 Day Pass Friday or Saturday: R795,

· 2 Day Pass: R1 350