Afro-Jazz is one of the six new themes around which the Standard Bank Jazz Festival programme, alongside the Arts Festival, is developed this year. But don't think that because it comes from the continent, it hasn't taken the whole world by storm.
South African Morris Goldberg has played sax with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Chris McGregor and Bill Clinton.
Afro-Jazz is one of the six new themes around which the Standard Bank Jazz Festival programme, alongside the Arts Festival, is developed this year. But don't think that because it comes from the continent, it hasn't taken the whole world by storm.
South African Morris Goldberg has played sax with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Chris McGregor and Bill Clinton.
He’s recorded on both Abdullah Ibrahim’s iconic ‘Mannenburg’ album and Paul Simon’s Grammy-winning ‘Graceland’ album and is constantly called upon to play private concerts for the likes of Anthony Hopkins and Mohammed Ali.
Goldberg plays his own unique celebration of South African jazz – 'Safro-Jazz'. His music contains infectious grooves, humming melodies, and is presented with an appealing stage presence.
He performs tomorrow (Saturday) and on Sunday with a star-studded band of South African musicians who have made their names in New York over the past two decades. These include pianist Rashid Lanie, renowned bassist Chulo Gatewood and drummer Anton Fig (made famous by his 26 years on the Late-Night Show with David Letterman) as well as performances with Miles Davis, Madonna and Eric Clapton.
But if you take a slice of opera, mix it with a portion of South African township style, add pinches of jazz, RB and Afrikaner hymns, you'll get the uniquely charming Bala Brothers.
Having trained at the famous Drakensburg Choir School for Boys, brothers Zwai and Loyiso Bala make up this multi-award winning duo.
Join them for an early-evening showcase of the finest Afro-fusion on Saturday and discover why they've been dubbed South Africa’s singing sensation. They'll be joined by Sydney Mavundla (trumpet), James Bassingthwaighte (trombone), Michael Bester (guitar), Jaydine Baron (piano), Denny Lalouette (bass) and Rob Watson (drums).
From a young age Ernie Smith sought to find his own unique voice and sound, and his quest has led him to a host of top awards since his first album in 2003, including three Sama awards (Best New Comer, Best Adult Contemporary Album and ‘Best Jazz Adult Contemporary Album).
He also won one KORA award for being the Most Promising Male in Africa, and a METRO award for Best Jazz Artist.
Enjoy his rich vocal texture combined with exciting musical arrangements as he celebrates life, love and the free spirit of music on Saturday.
He'll be joined on stage by Mark Royeppen (keyboards), Concord Nkabinde (bass), Donovan Jacob (drums), Ntokozo Mayisela (vocals), Ryan Goliath (vocals) and guest Natalie Rungan (vocals).
With nearly two decades of experience playing South African jazz, Queenstown-born Mlungisi Gegana has carved out a successful career on the upright bass with performances on the big jazz stages of South Africa and with many of its top exponents.
Having composed, arranged, performed and produced his own album, Gegana delivers a style of Afro-Jazz that’s “difficult to classify, but a pleasure to enjoy”.
He'll be on stage on Wednesday 4 July with McCoy Mrubata (sax), Feya Faku (trumpet), Valentia Ferlito (piano) and Justin Badenhorst (drums).
The other themes for this year’s Jazz programme are Youth, Cross-over Jazz, Gospel/World Music, Mainstream Jazz and Modern Jazz.
For more information check www.standardbankarts.co.za or www.youthjazz.co.za.
