Talent shines at UJ’s Weekend of Jazz
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) Arts & Culture successfully hosted the UJ Weekend of Jazz this past weekend featuring a soulful line-up of talent.
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) Arts & Culture successfully hosted the highly anticipated UJ Weekend of Jazz this past weekend at the UJ Art Centre.
This year’s event showcased a remarkable lineup of jazz talent, headlined by renowned trumpeter and composer Mandla Mlangeni, who won the METRO FM 2024 Best Jazz Album of the Year.
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Before the main event, an exclusive listening session was held on August 18 in collaboration with Untitled Basement, facilitated by Brenda Sisane.
This intimate gathering allowed audiences to engage with the performers and explore their unique musical styles.
The weekend commenced with Mandla Mlangeni and his Cape Town-based band, the Tune Recreation Committee (TRC), performing on August 29. They presented music from their third studio album, The Future Is Now, featuring talented musicians like drummer Joshua Klein and bassist Nicholas Williams.
Mlangeni highlighted the band’s fusion of South African jazz influences with American jazz traditions.
On August 30, award-winning jazz vocalist Gabi Motuba graced the stage, launching her anticipated album The Sabbath. Known for her emotive storytelling through music, Motuba paid tribute to her late father, sharing how the album reflects themes of loss and healing.
The final evening, August 31, featured Keenan Meyer, UJ Arts & Culture’s 2024 Artist in Residence. He launched his new seven-track EP, Reawakening which explores the theme of protest and its emotional impact.
Meyer also performed selections from his debut album, The Alchemy of Living released in June 2021.
Since its inception in 2018, the UJ Weekend of Jazz has become a vital platform for making jazz accessible to diverse audiences. The event successfully captivated jazz lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike with its rich musical offerings and vibrant atmosphere.
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