IN a world where uncertainty feels like the new normal, the organisers are turning to jazz to seek answers to the question: Who’s Got the Map? This year’s theme for Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) 2025 borrows its title from South African jazz pianist Andile Yenana’s seminal 2005 album, an avant-garde landmark that challenged conventions and turned 20 this year.
“Jazz has always been about questions,” says Neil Gonsalves, director of the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music. “Andile Yenana asked the question, ’Who’s got the Map.’ It’s a philosophical question worth pondering, especially in a time of rapid and unprecedented change. Jazz reflects democracy. It honours the individual, but always in service of the group. Let’s come together through jazz, to remind ourselves of the values it espouses.”
The five-day programme offers a diverse line-up of performances across multiple venues in Durban, highlighting both established and emerging voices in South African jazz. From faculty-led showcases and solo performances to student ensembles and community-driven events, each gathering is a celebration of jazz and its ability to hold and express ones pain and sorrow, joy and dance, and the myriad questions people have in these troubled times.
Featured Events:
Vocal Showcase | International Jazz Day – April 30 | Centre for Jazz and Popular Music
An intimate and powerful performance featuring accomplished jazz vocalist and educator Natalie Rungan, and UKZN Jazz Vocalists, students from UKZN’s Jazz Studies programme. These vocalists trace emotional and lyrical maps through the power of song.
Also read: Rising local jazz bands to share stage with maestros
Bean Bag Jazz Club – May 2: Known for bending time and space through sound, composer-pianist Burton Naidoo offers a solo performance that blurs the line between memory and imagination.
Dukkah – May 4: Closing the celebrations, student ensembles take to the Dukkah stage in a community-rooted fundraiser for their journey to the National Arts Festival in Makhanda.
Rounding off the programme later in May (date to be confirmed), legendary pianist Melvin Peters will take the stage at Hue Café for an intimate performance. The Centre for Jazz will also present a Guitar Showcase, spotlighting the instrument’s expressive power and its place in the jazz tradition.
These events are made possible through the support of the KZN Performing Arts Trust (KZNPAT), reflecting a shared commitment to nurturing the arts and supporting the development of young South African musicians.
For reservations contact : info@dukkah.co.za | 031 271 3531 (dine-in)
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