The 2018 Soweto International Jazz Festival brings jazz to the people
JOBURG – The four-day festival plans to celebrate Pan-Africanism, African music and culture.
Only in its first year, the Soweto International Jazz Festival promises to provide a platform that showcases the beauty of African music and culture.
Debuting at the Soweto Theatre on 14 June, it runs until 17 June. Nolan Baynes, International Arts Solutions representative, said the idea of the festival arose from a need to bring jazz to the people, with Soweto being an ideal place due to its rich history as well as its cultural and artistic diversity.
The four-day event does not only pay tribute to Bra Hugh Masekela but will also see music lovers witness a multi-genre lineup which includes world-renowned musicians such as Third World, Bob James, Deborah Cox, Spyro Gyra, Neville Brothers as well as South African jazz/R&B stars, Ernie Smith and Zama Jobe and legendary soul/funk and R&B artist, Charlie Wilson, who will be performing for the first time in South Africa.
“I just want to have fun, experiment and be open to anything,” Zama Jobe said.
Ernie Smith said the jazz scene is constantly evolving and has managed to keep up with the times. He said that the festival will have an appeal across the board due to its incorporation of a number of genres and young artists such as Mi Casa, Sho Madjozi, Leanne Dlamini, Nasty C, Lady Zamar and the Major League DJs.
The curated lineup brings everything together and bridges the gap between the African diaspora which will be exhibited by the performances.
“The festival is designed to help create connectivity among people of the African diaspora and celebrate the indomitable spirit of Soweto and its people,” said Ernest Kelly, managing partner of IAS Agency and executive producer of the festival.
Tickets are available from WebTickets and at the Soweto Theatre.
