Afrikan Time Music and Black Theology, in Conversation

by Ngwako Malakalaka
October 8, 2024

To mark South Africa's Heritage Month and Steve Biko's commemoration, Herbie Tsoaeli, the South African award-winning jazz bassist and the “Centre for Black Thought and African Studies," presented a conversation and a live jazz performance on “Black Theology and Afrikan Time" music. The discussion was about black liberation theologies in their quest to make ...

Celebrating Thembi Dunjana's 'God Bless Ikapa, God Bless Mzantsi'

by Ngwako Malakalaka
July 2, 2024

We celebrated one of South Africa's most extraordinary piano talents this week with Thembi Dunjana. Dunjana has established herself as a star in Cape Town's rich jazz scene. Drawing upon varied inspirations that range from the American influences of John Coltrane Horace Silver, and McCoy Tyner to South African legends like Moses Taiwa Molelekwa and Bheki ...

Gerald Mac McKenzie

2022: The Year in Jazz

by Ken Franckling
December 29, 2022

Current events impacted the jazz world in significant ways throughout 2022. In its third year, the coronavirus pandemic continued to lurk in some settings, while others recovered in robust fashion. Russia's war on Ukraine was felt by musicians and triggered an outpouring of support for its victims. Initiatives to ensure greater equity in jazz advanced. The ...

Elinor Speirs

Born: September 7

There is something amazing that happens when cultures converge. There is surprise and enchantment, chaos and dispute, but in the end, there is always something new. That is where violinist Elinor Speirs likes to set up residence - at the cusp of the conversation. The progeny of a Viking and a celt, raised at the southern tip of Africa with Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, it was almost inevitable that Elinor would flee the constraints of the orchestra and join the fire and dance of improvised music. Versatility and flair for style have ensured her place in musical genres across the board. Classically trained at the Royal Academy of Music in London, and jazz and free music trained at New York University and New England Conservatory, Elinor is an experienced orchestral and chamber music performer with a burgeoning career in jazz, world music fusion, free music, new music and interdisciplinary arts

2021: The Year in Jazz

by Ken Franckling
December 31, 2021

The jazz world continued grappling and adjusting in year two of the COVID-19 pandemic. International Jazz Day again went virtual for the most part. Singer Tony Bennett put the final stamp on his touring--and likely recording--career after his Alzheimer's disclosure. Trumpeter Irvin Mayfield was headed to federal prison. The National Endowment for the Arts welcomed four ...

Ike Moriz

Born: May 14, 1972

Since 2002, widely acclaimed international SA pop star, singer, producer, author and actor Ike Moriz has created 20 albums ranging from original melodic indie Rock/Pop to Latin/Easy Listening, Lounge, Blues and Jazzy Swing (all available on iTunes et al). His songs are being played worldwide reaching No.1 in the UK, Holland, South Africa and Germany.

This prolific and versatile artist has also acted in many major international feature films such as ‘Alfie’, ‘Shanghai Knights’ and ‘Love Actually’, and he appeared in local TV programs like ‘Showbiz Report’, ‘Top Billing’ & ‘Backstage’, as well as UK TV series ‘Eastenders’, ‘Family Affairs’ and ‘The Bill’ and 'Strike Back - Project Dawn’. Rock legend David Bowie awarded Ike’s early songs repeatedly as ‘top song of the month’ on his web site!

Can Jazz Survive COVID-19? China Has Tested the Waters

by Jiaowei Hu
March 22, 2020

In the coming weeks, Frank Sinatra's line “I wanna wake up in a city that doesn't sleep" from “New York, New York" may not strike a chord. On March 17, the epicenter of jazz ground to a halt. By the decree of governmental enforcement, all jazz venues in New York City announced closures in ...

Sisonke Xonti

Sisonke Xonti started playing music at the age of ten but it was only when he turned thirteen that he fell in love with the saxophone and continued playing classical saxophone until he got his UNISA Grade 8 Distinction (2006). His introduction to jazz came at the age of sixteen (2004) when he joined the Cape Town based band, The Little Giants, led by George Werner and the late Ezra Ngcukana. That same year, he was selected to be a part of the School��s Big Band at the Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Festival in Grahamstown. And later (2007) was also selected for the National Youth Band for the first time under the leadership of Dr

Claude Cozens

Born: February 27, 1989

Born on 27 February 1989, Cozens is fast establishing himself as one of South Africa��s most respected and sought-after drummers on the Jazz scene. He is also a talented pianist and composer. Cozens started playing drums at the age of thirteen. He became a regular musician at the local Church where he played, bass drums and the piano. Cozens exploration into the world of Jazz and improvised music started at the age of fourteen when he entered Muizenberg High School where he studied under Fred Kuit, head of the Music Department. Cozens is currently completing his Postgraduate Diploma at the South African College of Music at the University of Cape Town