Strong winds delayed Queen Mary 2’s docking however the magnificent cruise liner finally docked at E berth in Cape Town Harbour. Cunard is celebrating 175th years of ocean travel with the Queen Mary 2 on a world tour, the liner arrived in Cape Town before departing for Walvis Bay then Southampton on Saturday morning.
Resplendent in all aspects Cunard’s Queen series of cruise liners are the ultimate in luxury cruising, offering the very best available to all who board, from high quality cuisine to the finest linen, top entertainment and of course the very best living quarters.
In 2003, the Queen Mary 2 was the longest passenger ship ever built, at four football fields long and able to carry 2, 620 passengers and 1, 253 crew. Her facilities include a theatre, five swimming pools, fifteen restaurants and bars, a casino, a spa, a ballroom, kennels, a nursery and the first planetarium at sea.
Cape Town has a long association with the sea having been established as a replenishment station in 1652 and has since carried on that tradition to this day is also known as “The Tavern of the Seas” by local sailors.
Cunard’s Queens hold a special place in the hearts of all Capetonians having docked in Cape Town throughout the company’s 175 year history and Cunard is set to continue that trend with the Queen Elizabeth and Victoria planning to dock in the Mother City in 2016.
Mobile first is no longer a nice to have. This was the sentiment at day two (16 April 2015) of World Travel Market Africa, a trade show and conference for African tourism that wraps up in Cape Town today.
‘Where is My Transport’, the City of Cape Town’s transport mobile app
Leading a panel who were discussing Mobile and the Visitor Journey, Digital Tourism Think Tank’s CEO, Nick Hall pointed out that businesses whose websites were not optimised for mobile were missing a big opportunity to communicate effectively. This impacted negatively on the ‘real life’ experience of a product or event, as well as the online experience.
Panelist Alana Witte of Revinate said that there was a real opportunity for hotels to use mobile to enhance the customer experience, even before the visitor arrives. They should be able to indicate pre-arrival whether they want room service, what newspaper they would be interested in reading and whether they want a room service breakfast. Establishing communication in this way was also an oportunity for hotels to systematically gather data and feedback from their customers.
Iain Manley of Voicemap said 2015 is the year of the native app, and that news agencies were now looking to publish straight to app, leaving web out altogether. Whilst this is still the domain of early adopters – and app noise is high – this area of development is one to watch.
Cape Town Tourism’s Executive Marketing Manager, Velma Corcoran said that when entering the mobile domain, being clear is more important than being clever. “Simplicity is key and it’s vital that you are speaking to a visitor need. Those getting it right use mobile to solve real world problems. Uber is an example of this. Cape Town is a notable hub for innovation, with user-intuitive apps such as Snapscan, gometro and apps against Ebola all coming out of the Mother City.”
World Design Capital yellow frame at the V&A Waterfront. Cape Town. Image courtesy of Cape Town Tourism.
Talking best practice for blogger campaigns in the travel industry; Cape Town Tourism’s Corcoran joined panellists Michael Bean, Business Director of Brand’s Eye – a digital analytics tool, Keith Jenkins – founder of iAmbassador – a blogger placement programme and Mariette du Toit-Helmbold – owner of digital marketing company, Destinate to discuss the role of bloggers in destination and product marketing.
The panel agreed that authenticity and independence were the key elements of a compelling and credible blogger campaign. Corcoran said that Cape Town Tourism no longer focused on bloggers alone, but on influencers – bloggers, instagrammers, photographers and locals amongst others. Cape Town Tourism was working with these influences to tell the story of the destination.
Brands Eye pointed out that there were lots of different ways to measure online campaigns, but increasingly people were valuing engagement rather than reach as a measure of influence. It is also important to look at the broader reach that the followers of followers could give.
Corcoran added that increasingly bloggers were becoming content generators, and if they were able to provide excellent content, destinations would pay for it. Du Toit-Helmbold added that there was a difference between bloggers and ‘blaggers’ (defined as bloggers who were in it for the fun and freebies). Serious bloggers presented their strategy and statistics well, provided compelling ideas to destinations and ultimately delivered great content.
In other news, the winners of the African Responsible Tourism Awards were announced:
Best for beach tourism: Chumbe Island
Best blog: The Good Holiday
Best destination for responsible tourism: Gansbaai
Best for engaging people and culture: Coffee Beans Routes
Best for poverty reduction: Grootbos Private Nature Reserve/Grootbos Foundation and Transfrontier Parks Destinations
Best for resource management: Chobe Game Lodge
Best for wildlife conservation: Marine Dynamics
Overall winner:
Gansbaai
Cape Town Tourism would like to congratulate all the winners of these awards and also acknowledge the success and contribution that the organisers and exhibitors of World Travel Market Africa have brought to the destination in 2015.
Traditions among Cape Town communities are often passed-on from one generation to another, as parents teach their children as their parents did in the past.
The Malay’s not only brought their culture, cuisine, spices and expertise with them they also brought along their music, merging Malay and the Cape(Dutch) way of life through their music.
Kaatjie Davids leads the Continentals Male Choir in a performance, during the opening of Ghoema & Glitter. Cape Town
One such tradition is the passing on of the “liedtjies” sung amongst the Cape Malay communities. Ghoemmaliedjies, a Moppie, Wedding songs or a Nederlandslied are still sung at Cape Malay family get-togethers and events.
These songs can also be heard at the Cape Malay Choir Board Choral Competition held annually in Cape Town where the various Cape Malay Choirs strut their stuff on stage.
The “liedtjies” tells stories of characters (Rosa), events (Daar kom die Alabama), a funny story (Oom Jackal), Die Beren (a Dutch folk song) are but a few examples. Over the years songs have been adapted from top hits, daily events and even personal experiences, keeping alive this this rich tradition of song among the Cape Malay Community.
Perfect pitch and harmonizing are traditional characteristics of the Cape Malay Choirs with the Comic song that attract the most attention as the soloist performs to highlight every word with antics to draw the laughs from the crowd.
A Cape Malay Choir in full voice.
While some songs are sung without musical accompaniment, instruments like the banjo, guitar, violin, mandolin, a cello slung over one shoulder to provide the bass notes, a ghoemma drum and more recently a keyboard are used to accompany the singers. (A ghoemma drum is made by stretching a skin over one end of small carved out wooden barrel; this instrument is synonymous with the Malay Community.)
As the communities grew the Malay Choirs became more organised adopting names like; Red Roses, Carnations, Jolly Boys, Young Stars, Young Lions, Sweet Heartmays, All Blacks, The Continentals Male Choir, Ottomans Sporting Club Malay Choir, Young Ideas, Young Men Sporting Club and Young Cape Malay Stars to name a few.
The tradition parading through the streets of Cape Town from District Six to the Bo-Kaap on New Year’s Eve continues to this day providing a colourful spectacle for locals and tourists alike.
The Cape Malay Choir Board was formed in 1939 and recently celebrated its 76th anniversary; has grown in size and stature since its inception become the biggest multinational, multicultural organization of its kind with 38 Choirs in its fold.
The Cape Malay songs date back to the time the Malay’s arrived at Cape as slaves and settled in Bo-Kaap and later District Six.
Cape Town’s world-renowned tenor James Bhemgee singing a “liedjie” with a Cape Malay Choir.
A number of migrants who arrived at the Cape from all over the world in the early days also lived in these less affluent areas and they joined in the celebration of song making for an interesting cultural mix.
Although most members of Cape Malay descent the choirs also have members of non-Malay decent in their ranks, in fact Cape Town’s world-renowned tenor James Bhemgee is a member of a Cape Malay Choir.
The influence of the Cape Malay ‘liedjies” or Ghoemma has made its way into the modern genres of music via artists like Abdullah Ibrahim, Taliep Petersen, David Kramer, Zane Adams, Mac Mackenzie, Hilton Schilder and more recently Alistair Izobell, Nur Abrahams, Kyle Shepherd, Jonathan Rubain, Emo and Loukmaan Adams and to name a few.
In 2014 David Kramer took the Young Cape Malay Stars with him to perform at the famous Carnegie Hall, and they did so with much aplomb, receiving a standing ovation for their rendition of Cape Malay “liedjies”.
The Claude Cozens Trio reflecting pure energy of what is happening inside of them and us.
It was the final day of the two day Cape Town International Jazz Festival concerts and I set off to the Basil “Manenberg” Coetzee stage where the sun was still high for this two hour earlier start.
The Delft Big Band is conducted by Musical Director Ian Smith who is revered among Cape Town audiences especially for his work as trumpeter for the iconic group, Virtual Jazz Reality.
Ian Smith taking the Delft Big Band to greater heights
Ian Smith is a musical blacksmith who melds youthful energy and dexterity to forge a highly polished performance that shines! He is doing outstanding work on and off stage to divert the youth away from the wiles of crime and substance abuse in their troubled community in Delft. Lorenzo Blignaut, lead trumpeter, now makes a living from music. He teaches at other outreach programs and performs professionally.
There is also Dayna Pearce, saxophonist, now music teacher at Wynberg Girls High. Marcel, third trumpet in the band, is now studying at UCT’s College of Music and is lead trumpet in the UCT big band which is an incredible achievement! Adelia Douw, female vocalist with the band, now makes a living from music and is one of Cape Town’s most sought after singers. The list goes on and on.
Music has a way of leaving your troubles behind and The Delft Big Band most definitely brought that across to the audience! One other showcase of the CTIJF is the Duotone Photographic Exhibition which featured works by Zamani (paintings) as well as photos by Rafs Mayet and Warren Ludski. Pictures gave the viewer a backstage pass to rehearsals and performances and insights into off-stage life in an era gone by.
These visual artists have captured moments in time which frame the candid history of South African jazz and its journey. I caught a bit of the very shy, unassuming but powerful vocalist Naima Kay on Manenbergs as I made my way to Kippies for Dee Dee Bridgewater and Irvin Mayfield with The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra’s performance. It is impossible to remain motionless when a Big Band strikes! The acoustic energy from those horns shifts your aural senses into overdrive and the drums and bass set your feet a tapping and your hips and shoulders into motion. Dee Dee Bridgewater fell in love with the audience as she and the band wowed us with a top class performance which received rapturous applause.
Once again, I didn’t get to see all the artists and I could wax lyrical about the one’s I saw such as the two horns and two drummer group formation that is Sons of Kemet, the energetic Dirty Loops, the charismatic Hugh Masekela, the melodic Carlo Mombelli & The Storytellers and the timeless Al Jarreau but I want to end off with a first level experience.
I took the escalator up to the Moses Molelekwa stage to experience the musicality of The Claude Cozens Trio, featuring Kyle Shepherd (keys) and Benjamin Jephta (bass).
Claude Cozens pic – claudecozens.co.za
Claude Cozens is an energetic drummer whose passion reverberates through drums and cymbals. He describes this in his own words: “I am putting concentrated energy through my body converted into sounds; this is for any instrumentalist really. The drums are a lot more physical especially at this level where each limb is really doing something substantial and complex.
My mission is to close down those weaknesses within this process which then will allow the energy to be as pure and clearly reflecting what is happening inside of me and us. This applies to my fellow brothers in my trio. The other aspect is also the compositions. This is all taken into consideration when I write. The piece becomes our vessel which we can then float on and let it lead us to greater heights via improvisations which in normal life is complete honesty. I want to get to a point where the composition itself will take us straight there before we even get to improvisations.
Music is a powerful medium of the supernatural – I learnt this growing up playing in church. Most people don’t really understand it – lyrics have nothing to do with what I’m talking about although it is the same principle on a more obvious level. I do not know the extent of this connection yet but I do believe I will one day.
To me, that’s truly being a master musician. Basically, we can either breathe light or darkness into the atmosphere as musicians, composers and artists. For me, it is so very critical to know exactly which end of the spectrum you lay. This matter can become very complicated and confusing – all I know is that I want to inspire many, lift people’s spirits and really live in my full God-given gifts as a person and artist.” I went to church right there in the Moses Molelekwa room with The Claude Cozens Trio.
I want to express a huge thanks and respect to the organisers, espAfrika, their team and associated sponsors and service providers for their excellent work done to bring together the artists and the audience to the sixteenth Cape Town International Jazz Festival at Africa’s Grandest Gathering. Once again, I am thankful to Networxpr who graciously granted me media accreditation through my association with Radio CCFM 107.5FM for which I am also thankful for.
I especially thank my wife and children who let me do this voluntary part-time work over and above my day job. I must also thank my close family and friends for their encouragement. I could never do this without the love and support from friends and family.
Above all, I give Glory and Honour to God, my Father in Heaven for giving me ears to hear and eyes to see the CTIJF 2015 from a privileged perspective.
In October 2013, Cape Town Tourism’s Board of Directors took a collective decision to forfeit their monthly remuneration in favour of the Board Development Fund (BDF) that assists Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) with support to develop their tourism businesses.
Caption: First Row L-R: Jonathan Jacobs (CTT Board), Siyabulela Siyaka of Ubizo Tours and Events (winner 2015), Ebrahim Osman of Ozzie’s Golf Guides (winner 2014), Shaheed Ebrahim of Escape to the Cape (winner 2015), and Enver Mally (Chairperson CTT Board). Standing L-R: Enver Duminy (CTT CEO), Alushca Ritchie (CTT Board), John van Rooyen (CTT Board), Brett Hendricks (CTT Board), JB Maree (Business Skills Coach) Image by Deon Gurling, courtesy of Cape Town Tourism
In year two (2015) of the Board Development Fund, Cape Town Tourism received many promising applications and after a thorough selection process, a shortlist of four candidates was created. In March 2015, two beneficiaries were carefully selected and Cape Town Tourism has allocated R50 000 to each in support of their businesses’ growth. Additional non-financial support is also being given in the form of complimentary Cape Town Tourism membership, business skills coaching, mentorship and marketing support until February 2016.
The two successful SMME’s areEscape to the CapeandUbizo Tours and Events.
Escape to the Cape, established in 2010, has continued to enjoy steady growth and Shaheed Ebrahim, the owner/manager has been recognised in the industry for his entrepreneurial flair. In 2012, Escape to the Cape pioneered on board Wi-Fi by introducing this service in their vehicles. Shaheed is committed to empowering and supporting five SMME’s by providing Wi-Fi for their vehicles, creating more market share for them and increasing mutual business opportunities.
Specialising in cultural and historical tours,Ubizo Tours and Eventsis owner-managed by Siyabulela Siyaka, a passionate tourism entrepreneur who has trained and employs ten local tour guides and three permanent staff. Working in the townships of Langa, Gugulethu and Khayelitsha, his focus is on telling the stories that balance traditional and modern norms. Ubizo Tours and Events would like to add cycling tours to their basket of activities.
The Cape Town Tourism Board and team look forward to the journey ahead with Escape to the Cape and Ubizo Tours and Events.
One of the winners of the Board Development Fund in 2014, Ebrahim Osman, owner of Ozzie Golf Guides had this to say; “As a previous winner of the Cape Town Tourism Board Development Fund, I’m still grateful for the winnings and exposure my business received. With the cash prize I was able to buy some much needed golfing equipment, a laptop, upgrade my website and most of all start a caddie outreach development programme. This programme, with the help of the Big Six, proved to be very successful and we managed to take thirty caddies from five different golf courses to the various top attraction sites in Cape Town i.e. Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch, Cape Point, Waterfront and Groot Constantia. This exercise provided them with practical experience and valuable knowledge, which they can share with our golfing tourists in Cape Town – after all, they spend five hours on the golf course with visitors and we should regard them as grassroots ambassadors for the golf club, Cape Town and South Africa.
For me personally, winning the award provided me with great confidence and self-belief. Today my services are regarded as a value added service by most top hotels, guest houses and tour operators in Cape Town. Thank you once again for this wonderful opportunity.”
Chairperson of Cape Town Tourism Board, Enver Mally, wishes past and present winners well for their journey ahead; “Whilst the Board Development Fund is only a small gesture, it was something that we could implement immediately and is part of our bigger commitment to diversifying Cape Town’s tourism offering. On behalf of the Board I would like to congratulate this year’s winners of the Board Development Fund and we look forward to walking this path with you.”
Cllr Garreth Bloor, Mayoral Committee member for Tourism, Events and Economic Development, concludes; “The City of Cape Town is very proud of this initiative by Cape Town Tourism. It ties directly into the City’s mission to become an opportunity City that creates the favourable enabling environment for economic growth and development. Several City supported programmes advance entrepreneurs and SMEs, and so this programme is directly in line with the strategic focus of the City of Cape Town. We certainly wish the winning businesses well but encourage the other contenders to make use of the 90 plus agencies working with the City in our business support ecosystem to grow their businesses and flourish in Cape Town’s economically favourable environment.”
Prestigious international travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler has placed Cape Town as its Third Best Food City in the World after more results of the Conde Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards 2014 were released earlier this week.
Spier Wine Estate picnic basket
Cape Town came in ahead of foodie destinations like Florence and Rome in Italy, Tokyo –Japan, Hong Kong – China and numerous Canadian cities. The top spot went to San Sebastián in Spain and second place to Paris, France.
Conde Naste Traveler writer, Maria Shollenbarger, had this to say about Cape Town: “In Cape Town, ‘local’ rules. The Mother city is smallish, casual but supremely stylish, and welcoming—words that describe its artisanal foods and restaurant scenes as much as its citizens.”
Also mentioned in the write up is Luke-Dale Roberts’ Test Kitchen – recently voted 44th Best Restaurant in the World by Elite Traveler Magazine and a S. Pellegrino Top 50 Best Restaurant in 2014.
Enver Duminy, CEO of Cape Town Tourism says; “Fine dining and award-winning restaurants abound in Cape Town alongside fresh local and organic food markets and gourmet city food on-the-go. The supporting explosion of boutique wine and craft beer makes the offering even more compelling and instantly transports visitors to the origins of their food whilst giving a face to the people who produce them.”
Cape Town cuisine has been influenced by many different cultures over the years and is close to abundant farmlands and the fresh seafood, caught off the surrounding coast. Coffee is big news with coffee shops vying for the best bean and ultimate designer cool as Capetonians and visitors soak up the company and free wireless.
Cape Town also recently ranked Tenth in the Top 25 Destinations in the World and Second Best Destination in Africa by TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards.
George Anderson has played a significant role in British jazz funk band Shakatak’s compositions for decades and I’ve come to know that his bass playing still plays a pivotal role in present-day Shakatak.
“From Cape Town to London – Live” by the George Anderson Band is an epic musical journey which transcends the geographical divide between two cities.
“From Cape Town to London – Live” by the George Anderson Band is an epic musical journey which transcends the geographical divide between two cities.
This story of one man’s trans-Atlantic conquest began in London when the Cape Town artists were auditioned using video technology; the one-night-only show was recorded live in Cape Town and about a month later, three other UK artists were recorded back in London.
The concert opens with “iKapa” or “Cape” when translated from the isiXhosa language.
“iKapa” is a short instrumental track which awakens the audience’s aural senses with enchanting sounds created by keys and chimes.
The GA Band wastes no time in getting into the classic jazz funk groove with “Herbie” which is a groovy bass line punctuated by punchy brass. The Cape Town musicians introduce themselves by way of impressive solos by keyboardist Mark Goliath, trumpeter Ian Smith and saxophonist Donvino Prins with guitarist Nathan Carolus and drummer Bjorn Petersen keeping everything tight along with George holding down the bass line.
“Cool Operator” is a song which speaks out against vanity, greed, corruption, crime, oppression and political interference. George could not have chosen a better person to voice these objections in song.
George could not have chosen a better person to voice these objections in song – lead vocal is by Blaq Pearl
The lead vocal is by Blaq Pearl who is a composer of songs and poetry and a champion of human rights, specifically working to empower women and girls in her hometown of Mitchells Plain, Cape Town. She delivers this sobering message with a powerful performance which showcases her vocal range superbly.
Isaac Monty adds his voice to this song with an in-your-face rap followed by an intense keys solo by Mark Goliath.
Ian Smith is revered among Cape Town audiences especially for his work as trumpeter for the iconic group, Virtual Jazz Reality as well as his work with The Delft Big Band on and off stage to divert youth away from the wiles of crime and substance abuse in their troubled community in Delft, Cape Town. Ian is also having none of these injustices to humanity so in this song he protests with a horn solo reminiscent of Lew Soloff’s work, admonishing the perpetrators with a compelling performance.
Some bass parts remind me of George’s work with Shakatak (think “Don’t blame it on love” slowed down a bit) with low to high register groovy bass lines and percussion driving this message home steadily.
“High and mighty love” is one of a few song writing collaborations between George and Debby Bracknell.
A sultry sax introduces the sassy vocals of Mikhaela Kruger who headlines the Michaela Kruger Quartet/Quintet in Cape Town. She brings a soulful feel to this song with an enrapturing vocal performance.
Short, explosive bursts of guitar solos by Nathan Carolus add extra sparkle to this mellow lyrical pledge of devotion to a soul-mate.
“Into U” had me from the very start of the funky bass and sax intro to this catchy tune!!! The drums and percussive beats took over all movement as my feet and head kept nodding in timed approval of this groovy track.
Isaac Monty’s lead vocal is well supported by the harmonious backing vocals. Donvino Prins’ stunning sax solo shows why he gets the first call for most gigs around Cape Town especially when visiting artists stop over.
I can also just picture George having so much fun jamming with the musicians on this groove. This is easily my favourite track on this album!
George Anderson having so much fun jamming with the musicians on a groove
“Lay your hands on me” is a great follow on from “Into U” on this live recording. A smooth sax intro, subtle keys and guitar with Georges’ funky slapping and popping bass lines, making superb use of octaves, among other rudiments of bass playing, underpinned by a solid foundation of drums and percussion make this yet another one of my favourite tracks on this album.
Isaac’s vocals are once more ably supported by clear and present female backing vocals.
The lyrics make an encouraging appeal to our human spirits to work together in harmony:
“Lay your hands on me with positivity; Lay your hands on me; Let it flow through me; Let it show the key.”
“Weakness” is an exquisitely crafted collaboration between George and Debbie Bracknell!!!
This track elevates my senses to a higher level with a dreamy trumpet intro, smooth sounding keys and subtle guitar. Debbie’s husky vocals add depth of field to stereo percussion and keys sounds which widen the soundscape of aural pleasure, textured with a classic-sounding electric piano solo.
To quote the chorus line: “I’ve been watching you every day – you are my weakness.”
George’s strength is letting the other musicians shine through his punchy bass lines on this track which I will listen to countless of times.
Ian Smith uses a trumpet delay effect with a “Papa was a rolling stone” pic Mark Meyer – Touch Media
Ian Smith’s dreamy trumpet outro’s a song, like I never want it to end.
“Babel” is George’s bass solo supported by Bjorn Petersen on drums.
This is the full treatment of the epic JD (Jaydee) Custom GA bass sounds of George’s slaps and pops, triplets, octaves, ghost notes, chords, hammer-on’s, harmonics, slides, finger picking.
Confused?
Don’t be.
George’s bass solo interprets all these elements of bass playing in a way which clearly speaks the common language of great music.
To quote one of many appreciative members of the audience: “Stunning George!”
“Latin Love” (Amour Latino) is where Mikhaela Kruger leads this fun song and is supported by great harmonies from the backing vocalists.
The band shines with this Latin groove. The drums and percussion hold the structure of this song well together with George’s bass lines reminiscent of Jaco Pastorius.
A high pitched trumpet solo properly introduces Nathan Carolus when he explodes into a fantastic jazz fusion guitar solo followed by a sax solo which leads to a bass solo with a chorus effect then even more showcasing of Nathan’s superb talents.
This energetic track ends off with a great drum solo by Bjorn Petersen.
This track stood out for me when I reminded myself that the Cape Town members of the GA Band only had one day to rehearse with George – practically the day before this recording!!! Each time I listen to it, I’m amazed all over!
“Back in the day” chronicles George’s trademark groove from his days with Shakatak which I hasten to add still forms part of his present-day itinerary. Strong vocals carry a song loaded with solos but George uses this track to pay tribute to two of his most influential songwriters of all time.
The keys get the George Duke treatment then there’s a classic bass line from a Stevie Wonder song, “I wish”.
To quote a line from the chorus: “Music takes you higher.” This is definitely a song in the key of George Anderson’s life.
The keys and unique sax intro of “Day by day” send the audience into ecstasy because this song is one of Cape Town’s jazz funk anthems!
Cape Town has high expectations when it comes to artists performing our favourite songs in concert and this particular composition, co-written by George Anderson and Jill Saward, features Al Jarreau and Jill Saward on the original recording by Shakatak.
Isaac (Ike) Monty and Debby Bracknell do not disappoint whatsoever! The audience’s appreciation of their vocal performances is evident, especially when Isaac scats.
I will not be surprised at all if this audience cleared spaces to create impromptu dance floors to do the hip swaying and body twirling “jazz dance” throughout this tune.
The lead vocals complement each other very well and the musicians know enough about the stature of this iconic song in the Cape Town jazz hierarchy “to give it all you’ve got” throughout this track.
Cape Town showed their appreciation until the last note.
Encores:
“Brazilian Love Affair” composed by George Duke is another jazz funk anthem loved by everyone in Cape Town who appreciates great jazz. Isaac Monty takes charge of the vocals and is backed by solid harmonies.
George’s bass lines drive this song superbly and he takes the original Marcus Miller bass solo to another level with his special treatment, layered with a spaced-out sounding synth.
Ian Smith uses a trumpet delay effect with a “Papa was a rolling stone” – like sound followed by Donvino’s breathy sax solo.
Mark Goliath is a first-call keys player for most of Cape Town’s stages and in this track he crafts a beautiful electric piano solo which George Duke himself would have been proud of.
I am yet again amazed that these artists only had one day to rehearse with George. This track is cooked to perfection by the GA Band.
“Never too much” is yet another classic song loved by Cape Town audiences.
The punchy female backing vocals hook onto a solid lead vocal by Isaac Monty who showcases his vocal range and strength on this track.
The GA Band creates an interesting twist at the ending of this Luther Vandross classic which bears the trademark groovy jazz funk bass lines of George Anderson.
George Anderson’s “From Cape Town to London – Live” is a timeless legacy of one man’s quest which brought together two cities in a celebration of “lekker” (great) groovy jazz funk!!!
The album release date is 11th May 2015 and will be available on iTunes. Here is a link to some of George Anderson’s music:
From humble beginnings as the Cape Town arm of the North Sea Jazz Festival in the Good Hope Centre sixteen years ago, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival has grown in stature to mature into Africa’s Grandest Gathering at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
The CTIJF may have outgrown its venue since inception but it still offers a platform for young, up and-coming artists to share stages with internationally-acclaimed artists. The magic of the CTIJF lies in the appreciation of the audience. The artists are fuelled by the energy generated by enthusiastic responses from the audience.
Without exception, artists are blown away when audiences sing and dance along to their songs and an exchange of vocals and dance moves takes place between artists and audience in the most engaging way. It’s not always possible to soak in all the performances so I will share a few of my highlights.
The Heathfield High School Jazz Band is conducted by Lynn Hannibal and managed by Enrico Hartman with promising young vocalists, Kelly Kelderman, Sarah Cozett and Samuel Frans.
The Heathfield High School Jazz Band is conducted by Lynn Hannibal and managed by Enrico Hartman. From the outset the Band impressed the audience immensely. The horns were tight and in sync with the rhythm section and together with the young vocalists, Kelly Kelderman, Sarah Cozett and Samuel Frans; they took a great command of the Basil “Manenberg” stage, delivering a solid performance.
The Heathfield High School Jazz Band pic Granville Skippers
The possibilities of solo artists emerging from this band look promising and I trust that these young ones will pursue their musical careers fervently. To experience the variety of performances at the CTIJF, your feet must do the walking.
I navigated my way into Kippies where I took a walk down memory lane with Basia. It is such a spine tingling experience when the opening lines of a song transmit a message from the ears to the brain and the memory banks return an investment from a deposit made when you heard the song for the very first time but to see the artist perform it in front of your very eyes is an adrenaline rush which kicks stronger than morning coffee!!! The audience erupted into cheers then sang aloud to every song as Basia delivered everything off the menu with spicy salsa to go and the audience response was like a generous gratuity.
I tore myself away from Basia to venture back to the Manenberg stage where Jason Miles was doing his tribute “To Grover with love”. Jason Miles is a musical genius. I will digress at this point for a ‘Back to The Future’ moment: five-year-old Justin Shultz of the JL Band (who featured on SA’s Got Talent) is going to exceed the genius of Jason Miles. Jason Miles produced award winning albums for Sting, Luther Vandross, Michael Jackson, Miles Davis and collaborated on many more notable albums. The Grover Washington Jnr tribute was as smooth as you can get, interspersed with sax solos phrased superbly by Marion Meadows and Elan Trotman.
As smooth as Grover’s songs can be, he left a legacy of energetic up-tempo compositions too. Vocalist Maya Azucena released a tornado which erupted from her belly and spiralled out of her mouth into the acoustic atmosphere. The twister choreographed her dance moves too as she stormed both corners of the stage to drive the song right into the audience! The effect was such that many onlookers were shaking their heads in awe of her vocal abilities.
What a fitting tribute to Mr Magic! I spent some time networking in the Media Centre so unfortunately I completely missed Naima Mclean, Melanie Scholtz and Sipho “Hotstix”Mabuse but my media colleagues reported that these artists did not disappoint!
I particularly enjoyed their engaging interviews at the press conferences earlier in the week as well as Hotstix’s midweek performance at the CTIJF Community concert at Greenmarket Square. Overall, the artists’ performances were so diverse, ranging from the teenaged Heathfield High School Jazz Band to the eldest of the Mahotella Queens’ 73yr old Hilda Tloubatla who still has the moves like Jagger so much so that President Jacob Zuma jived on stage with her!
The Easter weekend is jam packed with a number of events, especially if you are in Cape Town.
One Direction fans packed the Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday evening while football fanatics made their way to Erica park, Belhar for the 27th edition of the Metropolitan Premier Cup add to that all the events around the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon like the Friendship Run, the Trail Run, the Half Marathon, Ultra Marathon and the Expo.
One has to consider that Capetonians are still reeling from being blown away by the stellar line-up of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
These events are all happening right here in Cape Town this weekend, and that’s not all… also on this weekend is the Stellenbosch Slow Market – Oude Libertas Amphitheatre, the Baxter & Artscape Theatre’s and the Cape Town Comedy Club have a full program of great entertainment, while the Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts presents Jeremy Loops at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
Madame Zingara’s First Annual Easter Egg Hunt in the Company’s Gardens will entertain young and old alike, but if you prefer searching for your Easter eggs amongst live bunnies the Noordhoek Easter Egg Hunt takes place at the Noordhoek farm.
Moonlightmass riders under the Green Point circle.
For the night birds of the Mother City there is the Moonlight Mass, a bicycle night ride taking place on a full moon on Saturday April 04, starting under the Green Point circle at 9pm Cape Town.
Confessions at Calvary in Saldahna
Also right up there are a number of Easter plays taking place across the Peninsula, top of the list is the Emmanuel Players “Confessions at Calvary”, a performance that tells the Easter story in vivid detail with all the roles played by amateur performers. This play has run over the Easter weekend for the last fourteen years, travelling across the Western Cape to much acclaim.
“Confessions at Calvary” will be presented at the West Coast Outreach Centre in Saldanha on Friday 03 and Saturday 04, both shows start at 19h00.
Still to come is the acclaimed “Tribute to Whitney Houston” at the Artscape Theatre and Whitney fans will be keen to note that Belinda Davids stars in the lead role, Davids received rave reviews for her portrayal of the Diva matching the megastar’s vocal performance, this is a must see.
The Cape is the place to be and it’s no wonder that the influx of visitors arrive in their droves hoping to catch one of the many events taking place in Cape Town this weekend.
So where ever you find yourself in the Cape this weekend remember to buckle up, drive safely and arrive alive.
Cape Town Is abuzz with visitors as One Direction heads to the Mother City for their much anticipated concert on Wednesday April 01, 2015 at the Cape Town Stadium.
One Direction in concert
“One Direction feva” hit Cape Town last year when it was announced that the boy band will be coming to Cape Town, a One Direction pop-up shop at the V&A Waterfront that had the boy-band’s fans queuing overnight for treasured merchandise, they subsequent slept-over at the Cape Town International Airport last night to catch a glimpse of the band.
The Cape Town Stadium is going to be packed to the rafters with screaming teenage girls and some not so young members of the female gender. With mothers and/or even father’s on-tow it’s going to be a memorable occasion. The 1D concert is most sought after ticket in the Mother City, the tickets were sold-out with hours of becoming available as 1D fans snapped them up irrespective of pricing.
Cape Town Stadium concert plan – Big Concerts
The Cape Town Stadium precinct is going to be a no-go area for traffic as the City’s management team activates the popular “Fan Walk” from the City centre to the Stadium. Road Closures will impact the transport system to and from town on Wednesday however it’s heard by word of mouth that staff who work in the CBD will be making an early exit from the City Centre to evade the incoming 1D fans streaming into the Mother City.
MyCiTi info:
The MyCiti rapid bus service will provide event transport services for the 1D concert at Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday, 1 April 2015.
A 1D Stadium shuttle service will operate Free on presentation of a valid concert ticket, between the Civic Centre and Cape Town Stadium MyCiti stations.
Shuttle buses will depart every 5 minutes or when full from 16:00 until the start of the event, as well as after the event with the last bus returning from Stadium station at 23:30. Buses will operate every 15 minutes during the event.
Existing services will be extended after the concert. These trips will need to be paid for with amyconnect card. (Please note – Every passenger needs their own myconnect card loaded with money, except for children under four years old and less than 1m tall, who travel free.)
T01 from Civic Centre to Table View and Usasaza
Buses will depart Civic Centre every 10 minutes from 22:30 until 23:45.
Table View routes 213 , 214 , 215 and 216
Depending on demand, buses will depart from Table View and Wood stations at 23:15, 23:45 and 00:15.
City routes 101 , 102 , 103
Depending on demand, buses will depart from Civic Centre station at 22:30, 23:00 and 23:30.
Hout Bay service (routes 108 and 109 )
Buses will depart from the Wigtown stop, near the Stadium station, at 22:15, 22:45 and 23:15.
N2 Express service (routes D01 and D03)
Buses will depart from Civic Centre station at 23:00 and 23:45.
ROAD CLOSURES:
The following roads around the stadium will be closed, and only to be used by permitted drivers, from 06h00 the day before the concert on March 31, until after midnight on April 01:
Fort Wynyard Road, Fritz Sonnenberg Road (between the Metropolitan Golf Club and the entrance to McDonald’s)
Granger Bay Boulevard
Stephan’s Way
Vlei Road.
ROAD CLOSURES on April , 01, 2015 for the 1D concert, the following closures will take effect:
Portswood Road and Beach Road (between Haul Road and Portswood Road) – closed from 16h00 until 02h30
Beach Road (between Fritz Sonnenberg Road and Haul Road) – local access only
Vehicles exiting the V&A Waterfront towards Mouille Point can only access Beach Road via Haul Road
The Fritz Sonnenberg Road access to McDonald’s – closed from 06h00 and 02h30 the following morning
From 16h30, there will be no general access to Hertzog Boulevard between Civic Avenue and Heerengracht, on Hans Strijdom or along Adderley Street (between Strand Street and Hertzog Boulevard)
Western Boulevard – closed between the Buitengracht Street and Beach Road intersection at Three Anchor Bay in both directions from 16h00
Sea Point-bound carriageway of Somerset Road – closed between Buitengracht and De Smit streets from 16h00
The CBD-bound carriageway of Main Road (between De Smit Street and Glengariff Road) will also be closed and two-way traffic is to be accommodated on the Sea Point-bound carriageway of Main Road (between De Smit Street and Glengariff Road ) – local access only
Signal Hill Road – closed between 14h00 and midnight
Concert Info:
Don’t forget to bring with you on the day: your tickets, ID (if you have one), a fully charged mobile phone, cash (NO ATMs on site) or a debit/credit card, and appropriate clothes for all weather conditions.
All fans attending the concerts that are younger than 14 years of age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
No camping will be allowed outside the venue.
No persons will be allowed to queue outside the venue until 10am on the day of the show.
No one under 13 years, or anyone that is shorter than 1.2 metres, will be permitted onto the Golden Circle and General Admission field standing areas for safety and security reasons.
No disabled persons will be allowed on the field for safety and security reasons.
Children between the ages of 14-18 years of age who are not accompanied by a parent / guardian must have an emergency contact number for their parent / guardian saved under the name ICE on their mobile phones.
No Public Parking available at the stadium.
Concert Management has set up aLost and Found hub at the venue. This is located on the podium between Block 117 and Block 116 at the information centre and have set up a dedicated call centre number which can be reached on 011 759 7215 (this is our call centre number that is in direct contact with the Cape Town health and safety team) should you need to contact the Lost and Found hub.
Stay hydrated; eat properly before and throughout the concert.
All flags/ posters/ banners must be detached from sticks / poles.
All banners and flags will be checked by security for profanity or inappropriate wording/statements.
Large flags, banners and other objects that may obstruct the view of others will not be permitted.
Entrances: –
Golden Circle Standing West enter through Vlei Road into Athletics Stadium West Entrance.
General Admission Standing West enter through Vlei Road into Athletics Stadium West Entrance.
Golden Circle Standing East enter through South Entrance at Granger Bay Boulevard.
General Admission Standing East enter through South Entrance at Granger Bay Boulevard.
Seated tickets enter through Fritz Sonnenberg Road. Turnstile 1-11 or North Turnstiles off Beach rd (no armband required).
Suite Tickets: If you purchased suite tickets you must enter through Fritz Sonnenberg Road. Turnstile 1-11. Once inside enter through the Foyer indicated on your ticket which will either be Foyer A, E or F.
Prohibited items:
Professional cameras or professional recording devices are NOT permitted. Selfie sticks are allowed but if you use it in a way that poses a danger to yourself or others it will be confiscated.
Glass bottles or containers or other heavy and/or sharp objects , which could potentially be used as projectiles (excluding sunglasses, binoculars and prescription or reading glasses)
Any illegal drugs
Skateboards, scooters, roller blades or bicycles
Knives, weapons of any nature or fireworks
Any object that could be used to distract, hinder or interfere with any performer including laser pointers and flashlights
Flags with poles, large flags or banners that may obstruct the view of other patrons
Any whistle, horn, musical instrument, loud hailer, public address system
Digital, electronic or other recording or broadcast device
Any item that you intend to distribute, hawk, sell, offer, expose for sale or display for marketing or promotional purposes
No animals apart from authorised guide/companion dogs
Any dangerous goods and any other items by management to be dangerous or capable of causing a public nuisance
Professional cameras or video recorders
Umbrellas
Braais
Camping Chairs
Cooler Boxes
Food and refreshments (including soft drinks and alcohol) which will be available for sale inside the concert.
Cape Town in Colour promotes the Mother City, its people, art, culture, events, music and cuisine.
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