A true jazz experience

Standard Bank Young Artist winner in the jazz category, Nduduzo Makhathini, recorded his performance in 360 degrees at The Orbit Jazz Club and Bistro in Braamfontein.

By using a trigger camera, the idea was to allow the viewer to feel that they were actually there and ‘stepping into’ the video shoot.

With virtual reality technology, jazz fans at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz were able to experience music in a whole new way.

The technology makes use of 360-degree video footage, which is integrated with a virtual reality headset powered by Oculus.

This is the first time this headset has been used for an activation of any sort in South Africa and allows users to immerse themselves in a high definition, life-like environment. This is the first live jazz performance recorded with this cutting edge and groundbreaking technology in South Africa – and more importantly an experience that jazz lovers will no doubt want to be a part of.

“This is an exciting new collaboration that brings music and technology together, pushing the boundaries of the experience that live jazz can offer through this brand new technology,” said Hazel Chimhandamba, head of group sponsorship at Standard Bank.

The three-day festival was one that aimed to showcase some of the world’s biggest jazz innovators. Just a few of the headline attractions this year included Cecile McLorin Salvant, Marcus Miller, Yellow Jackets, Larry Carlton, 3 Cohens and Peabo Bryson.

With a festival that, at any time, was packed almost to capacity, it was a great success once more.