Festive Lights Switch-On Event is back: artist line up announced

An energetic and entertaining line-up has been finalised for Cape Town’s biggest street party of the year, including Mi Casa, Emo Adams, Will Linley, Abavuki, Sasha-Lee and more. The annual Festive Lights Switch-On, which celebrates the official turning on of the Festive Lights in Adderley Street, will take place on Sunday, 27 November 2022. Read more below:

Back with great enthusiasm, and with the theme, Cape Town: City of Hope, the City’s annual Festive Lights Switch-On event will have the Grand Parade singing and dancing to the sounds of an energetic line-up of some of South Africa’s best and crowd favourite entertainers on Sunday 27th November 2022, as it welcomes in the start of summer.

‘The event promises to be a party that will appeal to the whole family. We are looking forward to an afternoon and evening of festive fun, with an amazing line-up and of course the highlight of the evening – the official switch-on moment, which will be followed by a fabulous and colourful video display that will illuminate City Hall and the surrounding buildings with a depiction of Cape Town’s unique and compelling story of hope and resilience,’ said Executive Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis.

The line-up for 2023, as in years past, speaks to a diverse audience with a little something for everyone. Universally though, when the beat is right, the feet get moving and so it’s time to put on the dancing shoes, as the versatile and energetic Jeodhouse Band will lead a toe-tapping set of their signature sound that crosses multiple genres of music from R&B to Disco and everything in between.

Also back with a bang, is Atlantis born, singer songwriter and Idols Season 5 co-winner, Sasha-Lee Davids, who will serve up a medley of her famous hits and treating the crowds to her unique sound. Invigorating Afro-Fusion music ensemble, Abavuki (meaning ‘wake-up, early birds!’) who will be celebrating their 21st year in the music biz, will have everyone grooving to their internationally acclaimed sound. Incidentally, Abavuki launched their successful career with their first ever public concert at the Festive Lights Switch-On event in 2001.

Interspersed with the performances, DJ Codax will keep the beat going whilst MCs Shimmy Isaacs & Wayne McKay will keep the conversation flowing.

Crowds won’t want to miss, singer, songwriter and TikTok star, Will Linley, who has found a global connection with fans through his honest lyricism and uplifting positivity, and who has been described as “leading the charge” for pop music in South Africa.

Much-loved and appreciated, multi-talented actor and singer, Emo Adams will sway the audiences on the Grand Parade and down Adderley Street, with his personal brand of entertainment that has won him fans across the country.

Closing out the musical merriment on the night, the streets (and the Grand Parade) will be jamming, as chart favourites, crowd pleasers and the multi-award winning, Mi Casa, known for their infectious blend of jazz, dance music, and R&B, as well as African and Brazilian traditions, light up the stage post switch-on.

‘We are so excited to stage this event once again. It really is a massive highlight on the City’s events calendar, and also for thousands of our residents who make this part of their year-end social excursions. I think the line-up will strike a chord with everyone, whether young or old, and it really should be a stellar event, as we have become accustomed to,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

The Festive Lights Switch-On 2022 is FREE for all. No ticket is required. Event details are below:

Date: Sunday 27 November 2022
Venue: Grand Parade, Cape Town
Time: 16:00 – 22:00

Social media handles: #CTFestiveLights #CityOfHope

Follow the fun on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter for competition and giveaway announcements.

End

Issued by: Media Office, City of Cape Town

For interviews, more pictures etc contact Jeni Fletcher : jeni@networxpr.co.za or Kaz Henderson : kaz@networxpr.co.za

UCT cleansing ceremonies a powerful transformation narrative

29 SEPTEMBER 2021 | STORY HELEN SWINGLER.

Burning impepho at the Khoi and San cleansing ceremony held in front of Sarah Baartman Hall. Photo Je’nine May.

This story is republished from the UCT website –  www.news.uct.ac.za see link at end of story

The University of Cape Town (UCT) marked an important milestone in its transformation journey when Khoi and San land cleansing ceremonies were held at three locales on its Rondebosch campuses. The ceremonies are part of UCT’s Heritage Month activities.

They were led by Tauriq Jenkins, the chair of the A/Xarra Restorative Justice Forum, and B’ia Bradley van Sitters. The rituals are an important part of the Khoi and San spiritual heritage, with a restorative significance at UCT.

UCT’s main campus on the back slopes of Table Mountain, or Huri ǂoaxa (Hoerikwaggo, which means “the mountain in the sea”), occupies land that was once home to Khoi and San peoples who were persecuted by early colonial settlers, driven off the land and severely marginalised.

Reconstruction on the roof of the Jagger Reading Room, which was destroyed by a mountain fire in April. Photo Lerato Maduna.

A video of the ceremonies is included in the 29 September Faculty of Humanities San & Khoi Heritage Month Colloquium, “Unburning the Fire” and the Acknowledgement of Land Cleansing ceremony. The significance of “Unburning the Fire” relates to the destruction of the Jagger Reading Room (formerly the JW Jagger Library) in the Table Mountain fire on 18 April 2021. The Jagger Reading Room was home to the significant African Studies Collection, started in 1953.

Reawakening dignity

Khoi and San cleansing ceremonies involve lifting of the (eland) horns and burning impepho, a dried indigenous African plant that the Khoi and San traditionally burn to communicate with their ancestors.

“It’s an acknowledgment of the ancestors, the reawakening of dignity, a connection with the silenced narrative of people whose histories we are celebrating,” said Jenkins, who is also the community engagement strategist for the San and Khoi Centre. His traditional title is High Commissioner of the Goringhaicona Khoi Khoin Traditional Council.

“[These] rituals are also the ones that invocate the ancestors, so very important names are chanted, and the chants are in every direction, from north, east, south and west, as if to summon and also ensure that there is a cyclical component in terms of the rhythm and how the leaders are connecting within the space.”

The Khoi and San cleansing rituals invocate their ancestors; this ceremony held at the site of the Rustenburg Remains near the Kramer Law Building on middle campus. Photo Je’nine May.

Working with the A/Xarra Restorative Justice Forum and Khoi and San leaders, UCT has introduced several initiatives to restore their language, culture and history. The first was a Khoekhoegowab online language short course, launched in 2019 and the first of its kind for a South African university.

The second was the Khoi and San Centre in the Centre for African Studies, which foregrounds erased or marginalised indigenous knowledge, rituals, language and “ways of knowing” of the San and Khoi clans.

The third was renaming Jameson Memorial Hall to Sarah Baartman Hall, a Khoi woman who was captured and paraded as a curiosity in the United Kingdom before her dismembered remains were repatriated to South Africa centuries later.

Participants in the cleansing ceremony on middle campus circle the Rustenburg Remains site. Photo Je’nine May.

Jenkins described the cleansing ceremonies as a “trail of tears”.

The group began near Kramer Law Building on middle campus, locale of the Rustenburg Remains; the human remains of Khoi and San slaves who once worked the lands of the former Rustenburg Farm situated here and discovered during building excavations.

“This is a significant and largely unrecognised epicentre of a history that, in many ways, has not been publicly profiled,” said Jenkins.

The Khoi and San communities hope to have a plaque erected here to commemorate what is still an unmarked grave, he noted.

“Although the Rhodes statue is no longer there, it continues to be a place of dialogue.”

“We hope that students will [learn] about the Rustenburg place and become curious to know that these are sacred terrains; sacred spaces.”

Participants follow the ‘trail of tears’ from middle campus, past the Summer House, through the tunnel and on to upper campus to perform cleansing ceremonies at the Rhodes plinth and at Sarah Baartman Hall. Photo Je’nine May.

“We hope that students will [learn] about the Rustenburg place and become curious to know that these are sacred terrains; sacred spaces.”

The group then moved to upper campus, performing a cleansing ceremony at the Cecil John Rhodes plinth.

“Although the Rhodes statue is no longer there, it continues to be a place of dialogue,” said Jenkins. The cleansing ceremony acknowledged the trauma of students (Fallists) who fought for the statue’s removal in 2015 and played an extraordinary role in changing the face and pace of transformation at UCT.

“Once [the statue of] Rhodes had fallen, we would find that a domino effect also impacted across campus, and for the San and Khoi communities in the A/Xarra Restorative Justice Forum, Sarah Baartman is an epitome of these very powerful, transformative steps that have been taken by the university in conjunction with the community.”

The Fallists had also been part of a history of liberation and resistance that had begun as far back as 1510, he said.

Cleansing ceremony held at the Rhodes plinth on upper campus, which continues to be a place of dialogue, said A/Xarra restorative Justice Forum chair, Tauriq Jenkins. Photo Je’nine May.

“On 1 March 1510, on the banks of the Liesbeeck River, the Portuguese were defeated by the Khoikhoi. And then again, in 1659, when the first frontier wars were fought, just down the road in Observatory, the Dutch East India Company – after having gifted farms to the free burghers – took the territories of the indigenous communities.

“And as a result, a war broke out and that resulted in 180 years of liberation resistance by the San and Khoi, which fanned out through the course of 16 wars and resulted in the genocide of the Cape San and the … forced removal of communities. It was a wave of dispossession and forced migration, which emanated from the epicentre here in the Western Cape, right the way through to Botswana, Namibia, Angola.”

Last, the group moved up to the Sarah Baartman Hall and the remains of the Jagger Reading Room.

At the Sarah Baartman Hall, Jenkins said, “It’s tremendously beautiful when you see that name. I think any student who graduates within the heart and the spirit of Sarah Baartman is also graduating into the depth of South Africa’s past and the depth of our future as a unified and courageous country; [one] that can take a figure like Sarah Baartman, who was disfigured in the most literal and visceral way and who, in many ways, is symbolic of the scramble for Africa … but now … reconnected [to the land] and sitting on the hill, has tremendous resonance.”

Deeper reality and history

But the land cleansing ceremonies reached much deeper, said Jenkins, and are part of a restorative programme and a process of social justice and of articulating this part of history in a different way.

“Acknowledging the San and Khoi footprint also opens up a powerful narrative of belonging for communities in the Western Cape.”

“Acknowledging the San and Khoi footprint also opens up a powerful narrative of belonging for communities in the Western Cape and around this country; a powerful narrative for those communities to also return home and to acknowledge those parts of ourselves as communities that have resonated so much with shame and that have alienated us in many ways.”

Having these kinds of events, he added, is very much about the “unburning” of the library and the kinds of things that can be done to find redress and acknowledge in deeper ways the loss of knowledge in the library.

Reconnecting to the campus, land formerly inhabited by the Khoi and San. Photo Je’nine May.

“[It’s] not so much cordoning off or silencing and cornering this episode … but bringing it to the fore and knowing that it’s part of our history, and we should be actively pushing for a full lens of restorative justice, and full openness in terms of how we accept who we are as South Africans, and how we connect this campus to that past in ways that is respectable and dignified.

“Today … the ritual is returning to campus. And this has been part of a process that has been ongoing since the reintroduction of Khoekhoegowab, which is the Khoi language, by the university. And this move has prompted several linguistic and cultural and spiritual and sacred events and practices on campus. For example, the repatriation of the sacred human remains from the human biology department [to Sutherland]. These processes have to be conducted in ways that are also in sync and respectful to the spiritual and indigenous practices of communities here.”

“But as Sarah Baartman has metaphorically also risen from the ashes, so is the optimism that rises out of the ashes of that library.”

Finally, the group acknowledged the tragedy of the fire damage to the African Studies Collection, a particularly painful episode for the Khoi and San too.

“This is the first time that members of the community have been able to engage with the trauma of

the burning of the library,” said Jenkins. “It held an incredible reservoir of knowledge that is particular to us as Africans, and its burning meant a devastating erasure of knowledge [compounding] the already existing problem of linguicide and ethnocide; the historical erasure of marginalised groups in this country.”

Jenkins said the magnitude of the loss had prompted the community to consider performing another, more focused cleansing ceremony at site of the burning.

“But as Sarah Baartman has metaphorically also risen from the ashes, so is the optimism that rises out of the ashes of that library.”

The original article can be found here – https://www.news.uct.ac.za/article/-2021-09-29-uct-cleansing-ceremonies-a-powerful-transformation-narrative.

Capacity crowd expected for #SuperHeroSunday at Cape Town Stadium

Supporters are urged to jump into action if they are keen to attend the #SuperHeroSunday double-header at Cape Town Stadium on Sunday after more than 50 000 tickets have already been snapped up, with only 1 000 tickets still on sale at Computicket outlets or online.

Tickets, from as little as R50 (or four from R150), are available at Computicket, while corporate hospitality can be arranged via www.circa.co.za – or contact Tharone on 083 642 4240 for more information.

This rugby extravaganza – presented by DStv – will feature all four of South Africa’s Vodacom Super Rugby teams, playing in the colours of prominent Marvel super heroes.

Supporters who bought tickets online are advised to collect tickets in advance from the various Computicket outlets. Gates will open at 12h00 on Sunday and fans are encouraged to make their way to the stadium early. Public are reminded that there will be no ticket sales or collections at the stadium on match day.

The packed crowd will offer a clear demonstration of Capetonians’ passion for rugby, while the teams are sure to try and lay down a marker for the forthcoming season.

Simon Camerer, the Chief Customer Officer of Multichoice, said he is delighted with the fantastic response from local Cape Town supporters for the event.

“There is a real buzz of excitement and it is great for DStv that Capetonians have embraced #SuperHeroSunday, which I’m sure will deliver an unforgettable day of rugby entertainment,” said Camerer.

“The event promises to be an enjoyable family experience, aligning to DStv’s vision to deliver top-class entertainment for the whole family.”

These rugby fixtures are more than unprecedented in a local rugby context because the unique partnership with Marvel puts South African rugby in esteemed company.

Marvel has previously partnered with other sport codes, but this is the first such arrangement with rugby union in Africa, with the DHL Stormers (Thor), Emirates Lions (Spider-Man), Cell C Sharks (Black Panther) and Vodacom Bulls (Captain America) having adopted several of the entertainment giant’s most popular franchises for their theming during the Vodacom Super Rugby season.

They will wear the epic jerseys during Sunday’s special double header event, and thereafter exclusively in most SA derbies. This collaboration echoes previous Marvel partnerships, with the recent Australian Open and the National Rugby League where fans arrived daily dressed in the gear of popular Marvel characters to support their favourites.

Sunday’s television broadcast from Cape Town Stadium will begin at 13h00 (SS1 and SS11). The first match, between the Emirates Lions and Cell C Sharks, kicks off at 14h00, and will be followed by the second game at 16h15 between the DHL Stormers and the Vodacom Bulls.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications and DStv

 

It’s jazz season in Cape Town

The music scene in Cape Town, let us rephrase that, the jazz scene in Cape Town has always been a hotbed of young talent with many talented youngsters cutting their teeth at community events, and even in church worship teams.

Any local musician will tell you that it is not easy making a living in the music industry.

Over the year’s promoters have been hard at work to ensure that these talents do not go unnoticed, back in the day live shows in community halls across the Cape Flats was buzzing with talent concerts, live bands and if you were lucky you got to perform at the Luxurama in Park Road Wynberg with Percy Sledge, Engelbert Humperdink, Richard John Smith, Taliep Petersen, The Rockets, Pacific Express, and a very young Jonathan Butler.

Sadly, the Lux and similar venues are no more, and local promoters had to be more inventive to turn around an industry that was not accessible to music lovers of all ages and communities.

In the nineties, the club scene was thriving as the only outlet for local musicians.

The vision of Craig Parks who with John Esterhuizen and Quinton Raaff formed JCQ Productions, to promote jazz and local musos saw them launch the Cape Town Jazzathon twenty-two years ago.

After John Esterhuizen and Quinton Raaff passed away, Parks vowed to keep the Cape Town Jazzathon active and with the help of a tight-knit team, he achieved that this past weekend when a stellar line-up packed-out the V&A Waterfront amphitheater.

Locals music lovers know that this event packs-out the venue from morning into the evening, and an early start to the day is needed to ensure a much sought-after seat in the amphitheater in order to catch a closeup of the likes of jazz giants Ebrahim Khalil Shihab, Alistair Izobell, Jonathan Rubian, Top Dog and Vuzi Khumalo.

Not only did these artists bring the house down, the emerging talents the likes of Chadleigh Gowar, Keegan Williams, Little Giants and the Phakama Arts Foundation musicians etc held their own amongst their more illustrious contemporaries.

Over the years the Cape Town Jazzathon has schooled the likes of Judith Sephuma, Jimmy Dludlu, Jonathan Rubain, Cameron Ward, Don Vino Prins, and Claire Philips to name a few, in the art of live performance.

Next up is the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, taking place at Cape Town International Convention Centre from 29 -30 March 2019 with a line-up that includes international stars Chaka Khan, Elaine Elias, Cory Henry as well as South African jazz legends Don Laka, Oliver Mtukudzi, Vusi Mahlasela and The Soweto Gospel Choir to name a few.

Once again local young musicians will be afforded the opportunity to perform alongside the international stars via the ESP Young Legends programme, another example of our burgeoning music industry.

Now it is up to you and me, to ensure that our support for local musicians does not waiver in the face of the digital music age so that the future of jazz and its practitioners continue to thrive.

For more info go to –

https://www.facebook.com/jazzathon/.

https://www.waterfront.co.za/events/the-cape-town-jazzathon/.

http://www.capetownjazzfest.com/.

 

Glamour and entertainment a sure bet at the 2017 Sun Met celebrated with Mumm

South Africa’s oldest horse race and Cape Town’s most anticipated social event makes its way to Kenilworth Racecourse on Saturday 28 January 2017.

The prestigious event returns this time with a myriad of fresh, entertaining and unexpected activities that will leave all racegoers with an unparalleled experience.

Sun International launched their sponsorship of the Sun Met celebrated with Mumm in September this year where the who’s who of the media, fashion and entertainment industry all gathered to witness the birth of something special.

“With its iconic red sash, Mumm Champagne has accompanied the world’s most daring and glamorous social affairs for almost two centuries and made its mark as an icon of celebration. Building on our partnerships of the Melbourne Cup and Kentucky Derby, we look forward to bringing our daring spirit to life on the African continent in the French ethos of ‘art de vivre’, celebrating heritage and glamour in all its forms”, said Etienne Cassuto-Brand Manager of Mumm.

The event has been a firm favourite with the public dating back to its earliest years, when people attended the race dressed in their finest to see and be seen. Their fashion presence symbolised the essence of glamour and sophistication. Today the 133-year old race is firmly established as a highlight on the social calendar.

It is because of this rich heritage and esteemed legacy that The Sun Met celebrated with Mumm announces the theme for the 2017 Sun Met as ‘Decades of Glamour’.   The launch of the theme was shot using the Miss South Africa 2017 Semi-Finalists, all styled to epitomise glamour, elegance and haute couture in celebration of the events’ proud legacy.

The idea is to allow the public to pick their favourite fashion decade, source their outfits with their friends and enhance their overall experience of The Sun Met celebrated with Mumm. From vintage to modern, daring to classic the theme explores fashion trends dating back to the 1920’s and presents a host of exciting opportunities for all those fashionistas, horseracing fans and punters attending the event to express themselves through style and poise.

To further guide and inspire race-goers they can view some glamourous photographs of the current Miss South Africa Semi-Finalists showcasing the decades at www.suninternational.com Sun Stories tab and then Lifestyle tab.

For some suggestions we have described each decade loosely as follows:

• 1920’s – The Great Gatsby: an era of feminine self expression where waists dropped and hemlines rose. The Flapper look was the rage, with long necklaces, cloche hats and chemise or shift dresses storming to the fore.

• 1930’s – Vintage: known as the Golden Age of Glamour for women’s fashion an era of escapism and glamourous Hollywood starlets. Favouring simple art deco lines the style moved to smaller cloche hats, skirt hems dropped and broad shouldered, puffed sleeves entered the fray.

1940’s – Retro: A decade defined by the war years, the padded or puffed shoulder was the dominant look. The Silhouette with broad square shoulders and trim waist and hips was desired. This was complimented by tiny hats, large bags and nylon stockings.

• 1950’s – Polka Dots: This decade is influenced by two silhouettes, the wide circle skirt and the pencil skirt. Ball gowns were complimented by elbow length gloves and sparkling jewelry. Summer dresses also incorporated floral and polka dot prints. Chanel introduced suit jackets and slim skirts in highly textured tweeds.

• 1960’s – Flower Power: The era where no skirt was too short brought the arrival of the mini skirt and hot pants. The hippy revolution was about long hair, long legs and long nights. Bellbottoms bubbled to the surface. The swinging sixties were defined by a number of icons from the gamine supermodel Twiggy to the “original” first lady Jackie Kennedy who brought us skirt suits, pillbox hats and supersized sunglasses.
• 1970’s – Disco: This decade was all about “freedom”, “identity” and “personal expression”. The hippie culture continued and fashion resulting from this period displayed rebellion. From mini-skirts to wide lapel suits, knee high boots and lace onsie’s the 70’s had it all.
• 1980’s – Glam Rock: One word comes to mind when you think of 80’s : BIG. It was a time of excess and over-the-top flamboyance. Shows like Dallas and Dynasty depicted bedazzled evening wear studded with sequins and beads. Metallic dress colours like silver and gold also added some shine to this decade.
• 1990’s – Denim: This decade saw a return to minimalist fashion. Supermodels such as Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell and Eva Herzigova towered over the fashion industry during this period. Tailored skirt and trouser suits, short skirts and dresses, baby doll dresses, animal prints, hot pants, slim pants and high heels. High shine fabrics such as satin, metallic, sequins, vinyl and silk were prominent.

• 2000’s Modern Fashion: An era epitomised by style icons such as J. Lo saw fashion trends such as the boyfriend blazer, statement necklaces paired with classic sheath dresses, skyscraper platform shoes, miniskirts, mix and match prints and cocktail rings.

So ladies, choose your decade and motivate your man to research his outfit for what promises to be the most glamourous event of the year.

Sun International with the other race partners are excited to be elevating the race to its rightful pedestal in the glamour and style stratosphere.

COO of Sun International, Rob Collins said: “Sun International aims to ensure that the Sun Met celebrated with Mumm is as unique as our hotels and resorts, where we deliver luxurious, high quality experiences, supported by an authentic dedication to service.

We hope that we can bring this to life at the Sun Met celebrated with Mumm in the years to come, by creating lasting memories filled with glamour and entertainment for all those attending”, added Collins.

So don’t miss out on this premium event, where South Africa’s top designers get the chance to showcase their best work and use the platform to dazzle the crowds with their latest creations inspired by ‘Decades of Glamour’.

Get your tickets now with ticketpro.co.za.

Visit http://www.sunmet.co.za/  for more information.

Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook with #sunmet

Twitter  – @SunMetZA

Facebook – @TheSunMet

Instagram – @o_cialsunmet

First artists – 2017 Cape Town Jazz Festival

At a press conference held in Sandton today, The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) heralded its 18th year with a brilliantly edgy, instantly-appealing and musically broad line-up that will captivate jazz purists, world music fans, fusion lovers and soul nostalgics. The first artist announcement line-up that will grace the festival’s five stages on 31st March and 1st April 2017 drew appreciative support from the assembled guests and media.

The CTIJF has consistently shown that it is in tune with what its audience wants. This was proven last year, when the festival earned the number one spot in local festival favourites and was acknowledged as being one of the top music festivals in the world by Fest 300.  Part of its enduring success is its ability to harness the voracious and diverse musical appetite of its fans, fondly known as ‘festinos’. In this carefully considered array of performers, the CTIJF demonstrates its ability to once again deliver what fans expect – an eclectic mix of jazz greats, emerging stars and social commentators with an exceptional experience that leaves a lasting impression (for all the right reasons), against the breath-taking backdrop of one of the world’s most visited cities.

To announce the first local and international artists who will appear at the 18th annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival:

Paul Jackson Jnr & Jeff Lorber

Contemporary jazz supergroup Jazz Funk Soul with Everette Harp, Jeff Lorber & Paul Jackson Jr (USA), a line-up uniting three of the world’s most admired fusion players:  saxophonist Everette Harp, keyboardist Jeff Lorber and world-renown guitarist Paul Jackson Jr.; one of the most successful female groups of all time, the ‘real funky divas’ of En Vogue (USA); multiple SAMA, KORA and Metro music award winner, guitarist Ernie Smith (SA) and the 2017 winners of the espYoungLegends competition VuDu (SA) – founding members Sisanda “Sunda” Myataza (vocals) and Kristo Zondagh (drums) are joined in this fresh incarnation by Wesley Keet (keyboards) and new bass player Grant Allison to produce a fusion of traditional and African jazz with urban contemporary genres.

Ernie Smith

Jazz purists will enjoy the multiple award-winning jazz master, alto saxophonist, Rudresh Mahanthappa Bird Calls (USA); award-winning jazz vocalist and critically-acclaimed Gretchen Parlato (USA) who also has the distinction of being the first vocalist to be admitted to the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance; the 2016 Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year for Jazz trombonist, vocalist, composer and bandleader Siya Makuzeni (SA); the multi-award winning and supremely talented Skyjack (SA/ CH) quintet comprising of bassist Shane Cooper, pianist Kyle Shepherd, New York-based drummer Kesivan Naidoo, tenor saxophonist Marc Stucki and trombonist Andreas Tschopp; Tune Recreation Committee (SA) helmed by trumpeter Mandla Mlangeni with guitarist Keenan Ahrends, Nicholas Williams on bass and Claude Cozens on drums; the award-winning Cape Town born trumpeter Darren English (SA/ USA) and the two-time Oscar-nominee, veteran composer, trombonist, bandleader and director Jonas Gwangwa & Friends (SA).

Leading the line-up for urban fans is producer, singer-songwriter, keyboardist Taylor McFerrin performing with rhythm man and highly-talented drummer Marcus Gilmore (USA); South Africa’s very own articulate activist who uses her musical rap and hip hop to highlight social commentary, Dope Saint Jude (SA); the inimitable, innovative British singer/songwriter and MOBO and Urban Music Award winner Laura Mvula (UK); award-winning, afro funk, jazz and gospel singer Judith Sephuma (SA); the infectious, assertive sound of The Rudimentals (SA) with their firecracker vocals and infectious mix of reggae, rock and dancehall; and the polished sounds of the Sekunjalo Edujazz Band (SA), under the direction of internationally recognised and award-winning arranger and pianist, Andrew Ford.

For the suave, sophisticated and energetic fusion, African reedmen, Grammy-nominated Manu Dibango (Cameroon) and SAMA award-winning Moreira Chonguica (Mozambique); classical vocalist, violinist and composer Deepak Pandit (India) with SAMA-winning trumpeter and composer Marcus Wyatt (SA) and distinguished drummer Ranjit Barot (India); vibrant Latin music sextet Escalandrum (Argentina) led by drummer Daniel ‘Pipi’ Piazzola, grandson of the great Astor Piazzola who revolutionised tango music for new urban audiences; and the much-loved Soweto String Quartet (SA) with violinists Sandile Khemese and Thami Khemese and viola player Makhosini Mnguni, featuring Themba Machobane who replaces Reuben Khemese who sadly passed in September 2016.

Commenting on the CTIJF’s 2017 showcase, Festival Director Billy Domingo reflected, “We are undergoing a musical renaissance, where different musical genres and performers are collaborating to create new sounds for new audiences who may come from different walks of life, but who all appreciate what music has to offer. The Cape Town International Jazz Festival has led the live musical journey on the African continent for the past 17 years, and now in our 18th we are continuing to showcase new talent, new sounds, while staging them alongside music masters. I couldn’t be happier with this line-up as it’s a reflection of where we have come from, where we are now and where we are going.”

Executive Mayor of Cape Town, Alderman Patricia de Lille concurs, “Our City can boast of many jazz icons who have united us around our common love for music and the unique sounds of Cape Town jazz. Those sounds are deeply woven into both our past and our present, and they continue to bring us together. The CTIJF is not just a local favourite, but has rightfully taken its place as one of the primary festivals of its kind on a global scale. Every year it gives us the opportunity to consolidate our position as the events capital of Africa, and brings a national and international audience to our world-class local acts.”

The Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Nathi Mthethwa, pointed out that: “The Cape Town International Jazz Festival, now in its 18th edition, continues to attract the best musicians from South Africa and abroad; and the musical collaborations that result from this rich engagement produce music that captures the cultural imagination of our people, builds continental cohesion and speaks to the world at large.”

The official sponsors for the 18th annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2017 are as follows: The Department of Arts and Culture, Independent Media, PRASA, and host city The City of Cape Town. Other sponsors include Johnny Walker, Amstel and South African Tourism.

Ticket sales for the CTIJF were released earlier this month.  The considerable uptake from an enthusiastic market, endorses this festival’s enduring reputation for producing exceptional entertainment for discerning music fans, with many who return year-on-year, for a memorable experience.

Tickets are available at http://www.computicket.com at the following links:

Weekend Passes: http://bit.ly/2eHG6bJ

Day Passes: http://bit.ly/2fuzXOO

Official hashtag: #CTIJF2017

Facebook: facebook.com/CTJazzFest

Twitter: twitter.com/CTJazzFest

Instagram: Instagram.com/capetownjazzfest

Follow espAfrika for exclusive news, competitions and updates:

Facebook: facebook.com/espafrika

Instagram: Instagram.com/espafrika

Kyle Shepherd Trio play Cape Town; Japan Tour next

 

Kyle Shepherd in a “DREAMSTATE – by gregory frans

The renowned Kyle Shepherd Trio will perform in Cape Town ahead of their Japanese Tour.

 

Just one day before they embark on their highly anticipated Japanese Tour, The Kyle Shepherd Trio, one of South Africa’s most progressive Jazz Trios, performs at The Reeler Theatre at Rondebosch Boys’ High School, Canigou Avenue, Rondebosch, Cape Town on Thursday, 19 May 2016, 8pm.

 

Already a regular visitor to Japan where he has performed mostly solo piano concerts, Shepherd is particularly thrilled that he’s able to tour there with his trio this time round. “After four solo tours – in as many years – to Japan, I’m very happy to be taking my trio to the country which is one of my favorite places in the world to perform in. A big thank you to my tour promoter, Seigo Matsunaga for organising the tour. I’m really looking forward to playing for the wonderful Japanese audiences again!” said Shepherd.Featuring Shepherd on piano, Shane Cooper on double bass and Jonno Sweetman on drums, this inspiring and inventive Trio, who have been together for the past six years, have captivated audiences across South Africa, Canada, Switzerland, China, Mozambique and Botswana. Their debut tour of Canada in June 2015 included performances at the Ottawa International Jazz Festival, the Victoria International Jazz Festival, the Vancouver International Jazz Festival and Festival International de Jazz de Montréal. The Trio performs compositions from band leader, Kyle Shepherd’s rich and evocative repertoire of both recorded and new unreleased original compositions!

“This is a true trio – intricately intertwining as they play Shepherd’s music; pensive and exhilarating by turns.” Nigel Vermaas, Jazz presenter & producer, South Africa.

 

Kyle Shepherd, arguably one of South Africa’s leading progressive pianists and composers of his generation, is fast gaining international recognition for his distinctive compositional style and performances. The twenty-eight-year-old virtuoso pianist who has a well-established record of celebrated performances in South Africa, Europe, Asia, Canada and the USA has already released five (5) critically acclaimed albums in his young career. ‘Dream State’, a 21-track double album of his Trio released in 2014, garnered nominations for both the 2015 South African Music Award [SAMA] and a 2015 Metro FM Music Award in the Jazz Category. His debut solo piano offering ‘Into Darkness’, recorded in Japan, was launched with a tour in the South-East Asian country in the same year [2014] and included a performance at the prestigious Tokyo Jazz Festival. Previous releases ‘fineART’, ‘A Portrait of Home’ & ‘South African History !X’, have also attracted SAMA nominations.

 

The award-winning Shepherd, recipient of both the coveted ‘UNISA National Piano Competition Award [2015] and the ‘Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year’ Award [2014] in the Jazz Category recently completed the music score for an independent film entitled ‘Noem My Skollie’. The film, a moving crime drama set in Cape Town in the late 60s, was written by John Fredericks and directed by Daryne Joshua. Shepherd’s music will also feature prominently in rising independent film-maker Nadine Cloete’s documentary ‘Action Kommandant’ which is based on the life of the South African liberation hero, Ashley Kriel. Both films are set for release later this year [2016].

CONCERT INFORMATION:

Venue: The Reeler Theatre, Rondebosch Boys’ High School, Canigou Avenue, Rondebosch, Cape Town

Date: Thursday, 19 May 2016

Time: 8pm

Entry Fee: R100.00. Students pay R 80:00. Cash at the door.

Reservations: Whatsapp / Sms or call 082 950 7309 or e-mail fineartmusic@gmail.com or the online booking form – http://goo.gl/forms/UICDyVpdet or at the door.

Secure parking is available in Rondebosch Boys’ High School grounds.

Concert-goers who arrive 30 minutes before the show starts will receive a complimentary glass of wine or fruit juice.

JAPANESE TOUR SCHEDULE:

22 & 23 May 2016 – SHIKIORI, Miyawaka, Fukuoka

25 May 2016 – SAIKOUJI, Toyohashi, Aichi

26 May 2016 – KYOTO ART CENTER, Kyoto, Kansai

28 May 2016 – ANYOUINN, Tokyo

29 May 2016 – GARAMAN HALL, Ginoza, Okinawa

30 May 2016 – SCARECROW, Ishigaki Island, Okinawa

01 June 2016 – BOOK CAFÉ BREATHE, Miyako Island, Okinawa

 

MEDIA & CONCERT ENQUIRIES:

Theo Lawrence (fineART Music)

Mobile 072 351 5204

E-mail: fineartmusic@gmail.com

Website: www.kyleshepherd.co.za

 

JAPANESE TOUR ENQUIRIES:

Seigo Matsunaga

E-mail: seigojazz@gmail.com

 

RELATED VENUE:

Reeler Theatre, Rondebosch Boys’ High School, Western Cape, South Africa

 

Artslink.co.za Account:

Theo Lawrence

fineartmusic@gmail.com

072 351 5204

fineART Music CC

www.kyleshepherd.co.za

 

Granville Skippers reviews Ramon Alexander’s “Echoes from Louwskloof”

“Echoes from Louwskloof” a second release from Ramon Alexander

Four years after his debut album, “Picnic at Kontiki”, released in 2011, Ramon Alexander treats us to his second album release, “Echoes from Louwskloof”.

The opening track, “Apex” is a top song! This track bursts onto the soundscape with an explosive intro of sax and piano in synchronicity. The listener’s ear is drawn almost immediately to the tone of the sax played by Zeke Le Grange.

The piano and swinging bass line drives an energetic tempo to a brief but impressive drum solo by Annemie Nel.

Then, all of a sudden, the track slows down into a sublime bass interlude by Chadleigh Gowar whose bass picking and bass chord playing meanders deftly back into the main melody but with reduced tempo led by Annemie Nel in a bossa style. Ramon’s piano playing shines intensely on this segment of this track.

“Au Lait” begins with an undulating melody of piano and moody tenor sax then introduces a flugelhorn played by Marco Maritz. Interestingly enough, in his liner notes Ramon states that he wrote this when he was heartbroken and 19 years old. This track is well crafted to reflect the pain of unrequited love filled with moody and tumultuous emotions.

The tempo set by the piano portrays waves of emotion, the sax lines are moody at first then accelerate into impressive scales and octave ranges and at times the flugelhorn wails, lamenting the turmoil of a broken heart.

However, Ramon further states that this track has a completely new meaning to him which is why it builds up to a joyous, triumphant finish.

“This is the Greenhouse that Jack Momple built” is a musical tribute to a man whom Ramon likens as a father. Ramon’s use of the Fender Rhodes creates a vintage sound reminiscent of the era when Jack Momple played drums with Pacific Express, a band of musicians who were ground-breakers both musically and politically during the 1970’s in South Africa.

Jack Momple was a founder member of the band which nurtured many young musicians such as Tony Cedras, Jonathan Butler, Alvin Dyers, Stompie Manana, Barney Rachabane, Basil Coetzee and Robbie Jansen whose musical talents blossomed in the Greenhouse that Jack Momple built.

“I wish I knew Mankunku” is inspired by legendary sax player Winston Mankunku’s version of the Harry Warren / Mack Gordon classic, “I wish I knew”. Zeke aptly honours the memory of Winston Mankunku with excellent phrasing.

Ramon gives his very best on this track with an absolutely stunning piano solo which in itself is a Master Class performance! These two musicians are ably supported by swinging bass and drums.

“A little walk on the beach with a Sea Lion” is a fun title.

On this track Ramon uses the Fender Rhodes to create a melody that sets ones fingers into motion, inspired to keep up with the rhythm of the song.

That sweet sounding sax is as cool as an ice cream Sundae on the beach.

“Giant steps” is renowned as a sax piece as it was composed and made popular by John Coltrane.

However, Ramon leads the track with a classic keyboard sound. Zeke does not disappoint with fluent sax playing throughout, supported by Shaun Johannes on acoustic bass and Annemie Nel’s deft drum work.

“Sons and Captains” is a tribute to two of Ramon’s musical influences, viz:- Robbie Jansen and the sons of Table Mountain as well as Mac McKenzie and the Ghoema Captains.

Ghoema is an authentic Cape Town sound with mesmerising rhythmic drum beats infectiously uplifting the spirits of the listener and most certainly invokes a spontaneous dance in response.

Annemie drives this song with percussive rhythms.

Zeke’s tone is reminiscent of the late Robbie Jansen and Chadleigh’s bass lines reminds one of Mac Mckenzie when he played with The Genuines. Once again, Ramon’s solo commands the listener to take note of and appreciate his immense talent.

This track is a fitting tribute to musical icons that held high the banner of Cape musical traditions.

“Louwskloof se mense” (The people of Louwskloof) pays homage to Ramon’s hometown in Mamre, north of Cape Town. Punchy bass and piano lines with a raspy sax introduce a reflective piece of a legacy left by the Khoisan forefathers of Louwskloof.

A rhythmic drum beat driven initially by rim shots sets the tempo for a musical landscape where the musicians paint a picture of a culture rich with musical heritage.

Ramon Alexander’s “Echoes from Louwskloof” is a timeless legacy of one man’s reflection on his musical and homely heritage. Enjoy it!

You will. Get it. Repeat. Put it on repeat.

The album release date was 31 October 2015 and is available on iTunes.

The Ramon Alexander Band:

Ramon Alexander – Piano; Fender Rhodes

Zeke Le Grange – Tenor sax; Alto sax (Tracks 5, 7)

Chadleigh Gowar – Electric bass

Annemie Nel – Drums

Shaun Johannes – Acoustic bass (Track 6)

Marco Maritz – Flugelhorn (Track 2)

Recorded by Gerhard Roux and David De Villiers at SUN Studios, Stellenbosch.

Mixed by Gerhard Roux at SUN Studios.

Tracks 3, 5, 6 recorded by Shaun Johannes at Mahogany Studios, Cape Town.

Mastered by Tim Lengfeld at TL Mastering.

Ramon Alexander recorded on Yamaha CF3 Grand Piano and Yamaha keyboards.

Album design: Leonardo Fortuin and Igshann Ramjoo-mia at i-Studios.

All music composed by Ramon Alexander except “Giant Steps” – composed by John Coltrane.

Track list:

1. Apex
2. Au Lait
3. This is the Greenhouse tha Jack Momple built
4. I wish I knew Mankunku
5. A little walk on the beach with a Sea Lion
6. Giant Steps
7. Sons and Captains
8. Louwskloof se mense

Artist website: http://www.ramon-alexander.com/

Buy his music online: https://itunes.apple.com/au/artist/ramon-alexander/id686872501

Follow him on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ramon.alexander1?fref=ts

Reviewed by: Granville Skippers, 16 December 2015

Granville Skippers is an avid jazzoplogist. He hosts Just Jazz”” on Radio CCFM 107.5FM from 7-10pm. He also had a short stint hosting his own radio show on All Jazz Radio, a local online radio jazz station, http://www.alljazzradio.co.za/.

Granville is also a talented bassist and lists Victor Wooten as his favourite.

Skippers is currently involved in sound engineering at Desire of all Nations Church while working on a few projects of his own. He has a keen interest in the local  Jazz landscape and has often highlighted the talents of local musicians on his show “Just Jazz” on CCFM.

Engen Cycle in the City gears up for Cape Town

Engen Cycle in the City gears up for Cape Town

Saturday 07 November 2015. Cape Town Stadium Forecourt.

Engen Cycle in the City returns to the Mother City on Saturday, 7 November with a range of professional teams and social cyclists gearing up to tackle the fast 1.5km criterium circuit alongside Cape Town Stadium.

Although hugely popular in other parts of the world, criterium racing is a discipline that’s new to the South African cycling scene. It is widely considered vital to the development of youth riders in the sport.

Engen Cycle in the City has drawn entries from some of the most celebrated local professional riders, including Nolan Hoffman, the winner of the recent Engen Cycle in the City event in Durban, while still offering much fun to the less serious cyclist in the Crazy Cranks category.

The event is open to competitors from across the country. It will however double up as the Provincial Criterium Championships for the Western Cape, awarding a champion jersey to the first WCC rider in each of the racing categories.

Cyclists can register online at www.cycleevents.co.za. Entries range from R20 – R65 per person. The first few hundred entrants will receive a limited Engen Cycle in the City goodie pouch.

Due to its fast and fun nature, Engen Cycle in the City is spectator friendly offering a range of festival activities and attractions including food stalls, live music performances by Jimmy Nevis and Mi Casa, a kiddie’s carnival, and Danny MacAskill’s world famous Drop n’ Roll Show.

Though access to spectators and the village is free, each attendee requires an access ticket.  Visit Webtickets to secure your admittance now: www.webtickets.co.za

To view the full range of categories or information on how to enter visit www.engencycling.co.za

Danny MacAskill’s Drop and Roll Show live at Engen Cycle in the City

Danny MacAskill’s Drop and Roll Show live at Engen Cycle in the City

Fans of trial biking and extreme sport will be delighted to know that Engen are set to welcome Danny MacAskill’s Drop and Roll Tour to the Cape Town leg of Engen Cycle in the City.

Global superstar street trial biker MacAskill will head up a four-piece stunt team, which also includes Duncan Shaw, Fabio Wibmer, and Ali C, at the Cape Town Stadium forecourt on 7 November 2015.

The team of extreme trialists have left crowds around Europe in awe of their bike handling skills. They are looking forward to bringing their Drop and Roll Tour to the streets of the Mother City.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of the Engen Cycle in the City this year. It is the first time that the Drop and Roll Tour will perform out of Europe and we cannot wait to put on an amazing show for the fans in Cape Town, South Africa.” Commented Danny MacAskill.

A YouTube sensation, MacAskill’s death defying stunts have attracted millions of fans globally, and have led to two Laureus Sports Awards nominations. Fans can book their complimentary tickets to the Drop and Roll show at Engen Cycle in the City in Cape Town by visiting www.webtickets.co.za

Spectator entry to the Engen Cycle in the City is free of charge but limited. All complimentary tickets need to be booked via www.webtickets.co.za and presented on the day to guarantee admittance.

Participant entries are now open. For a full list of race categories and applicable entry fees, please visit www.engencycling.co.za.