Celebrate Youth Day at the Soweto International Jazz Festival

Commemorating the 42th anniversary of Youth Day on June 16, the Soweto International Jazz Festival debuts in Johannesburg from June 14 to 17 at the state-of-the-art Soweto Theatre Festival Complex.

The festival, which is inspired by the growing global appeal of Pan-Africanism, features a multi-genred line-up of international artists, including Grammy Award-winning stars such as Third World, Bob James, Deborah Cox, Spyro Gyra and Neville Brothers and South African jazz and R&B stars Ernie Smith and Zama Jobe.

Making his first performance in South Africa is the legendary Charlie Wilson, alongside dynamic local gospel artist and Metro FM radio host Khaya Mthethwa.

This international music and arts festival is dedicated to the historical region of Johannesburg.

It puts the spotlight on the rich, cultural currency of the township, with international music, art, cuisine, history, luxury accommodation, adventure and exploration.

With five indoor-outdoor stages, there will be nonstop music throughout the four days, as well as panels and master classes.

The festival will also have a market place featuring local vendors from Soweto and surrounding areas.

Each day of the festival has its own theme:

Day 1: Celebration Of Our Future

The Celebration of our Future instalment of the festival will kick off the festivities with a firm commitment to the empowerment of young people in Soweto.

In the spirit of remarkable, young, revolutionaries like Hector Pieterson, the day is designed to fully empower and engage aspiring musicians and entrepreneurs of Soweto.

The day’s event will entertain, educate and inspire, with a free symposium dedicated to the business of music and entertainment.

Day 2: Power of Women

The second day of the festival will be dedicated to the empowerment of women with workshops that will enable them to present and share ideas on driving personal and business success.

Grammy Award-winning artist Deborah Cox and SABC executive Iris Cupido are among the panellists. The evening’s main stage will feature Africa Umoja, Sho Madjozi, Lady Zamar, Deborah Cox and Dumpstafunk.

Day 3: International Night

International Night will spotlight South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, US, Canada, Jamaica and the United Kingdom. Soweto’s esteemed journalists will host an informative day with VIP-artist interview panels, acoustic performances and media broadcasts.

The evening’s concert will highlight multiple genres of music, including jazz, R&B, funk, reggae and dance. There will be performances from Marion Meadows, Neville Brothers, Charlie Wilson, Mutabuka, Spyro Gyra and Third World.

Day 4: Inspiration

Day four of the festival will feature an amazing line-up of jazz and gospel acts to cement the incredible celebration of music culture. It will continue to focus on cultural exchange programmes, allowing fans to gain access to the hearts and minds of some the most celebrated artists.

The evening concert will have performances by Mi Casa, Cyril Neville, Irving Mayfield and Ernie Smith, among many others.