Cameron Ward on fire at Jazz festival

Local musician Cameron Ward made his official debut at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival this month.

The musician was with his Cameron Ward Band and they graced the Manenberg stage to a capacity crowd which included the city’s mayor Patricia de Lille.

“It was a mind blowing experience and has become the highlight of my year and career. It was so overwhelming playing on that stage but it was awesome too,” said Ward.

Being part of one of the biggest jazz festival in the world had not sunk in yet until he board his flight to the Mother City.

“In the flight there were national musicians such as Mafikizolo, Nathi and so many others. They were on the same flight and going to the same event. This was when it really sunk in for me,” he said.

In Cape Town, Ward also conducted his very first press conference and he was left in awe of the experience.

“The room was packed with journalists all interested in me and my music. It gave me a good feeling and a chance to talk about my music,” he said.

On the Manenberg stage, Ward and his band performed music from his 12 track debut album So Much Joy which had the crowd on their feet.

“I have never played with my band at such a venue with the audience numbering in the thousands. And they were all listening and enjoying music from my album. All the songs we performed were originals,” said Ward.

The musician is currently working on a new album and is planning to perform in more festivals around the country including the Grahamstown festival and Joy of Jazz.

He also plans to collaborate with musicians from other genres of music.

“But first my goal is to become a South African Music Award winning guitarist this year,” he said.

Ward has started to give free guitar lessons at Arthur Matthews Primary School every Saturday and his pupils have been increasing with each lesson.

“It’s a chance for me to give back. Community members who are not part of the school are also welcome to join the lessons,” he said.

Those who want to enquire about the guitar lessons can contact Cameron on Twitter: @WardCameronward and Facebook: Cameron ward.

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