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South African Jazz Scenes (18)

Created on: 08 May 2024
Music has always expressed political unrest and the power of transformation in South Africa, especially in jazz genre. Letta Mbuli's "Not Yet Uhuru" and Miriam Makeba's "Sophiatown Is Gone" are prime examples of protest songs, though not necessarily experimental. Hugh Masekela and Abdullah Ibrahim, who were exiled, played with world class avant-garde musicians like Don Cherry, Johnny Dyani, Louis Moholo. Their abstract free jazz clearly expressed protest and political transformation on albums like "Mannenburg"

Contemporary classical music, such as Kevin Volans' "White Man Sleep" and the musical "King Kong" by Todd Matshikiz, are also notable examples.

A new generation of experimental jazz musicians performs internationally and locally, and the standards are incredible. Thandi Ntuli, Zoe Modiga, Kyle Shepherd, Dr. Nduduzo Makhathini, Benjamin Jephta, and Shane Cooper are amongst the best recent jazz musicians, producing albums and taking South African to international standards. Venues like The Orbit - Home Of Jazz, Jazz On The Hill, The Market Theatre, Jazz @ The Villa and Wits Theatre are popular spaces, attracting outstanding performers.

My journey as a jazz photographer is a testament to unwavering dedication to storytelling through my lens. I was born and raised in the vibrant cultural tapestry of South Africa and my early experience growing up in the dusty streets of Soweto shaped my perspective in life which I translated into visual storytelling. One of my images made it to 2nd place at Jazz World Photo 2024 which is a testament to my fascination with jazz photography that began at a very young age inspired by the rich diversity of my surroundings.
  • Dr. Nduduzo Makhathini, Linda Skhakhane, Ndabenhle Zulu and Ayanda Sikade at SABC recording studio
  • Mamba Tshabalala
  • Mafikizolo Dancers
  • Prince Lengoasa
  • Joshua Redman
  • Themba Mokoena
  • Marcus Wyatt
  • Siyanda Zulu
  • Dr. Nduduzo Makhathini
  • Miriam Makeba
  • Mzansi Jazz Awards Performance
  • Feya Faku
  • Siya Makuzeni
  • A devotee of jazz doing jazz moves during a funeral service of Julian Bahula
  • Herbie Tsoaeli
  • Dalisu Ndlazi
  • Ayanda Sikade
  • Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse
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