Standard Bank Festival, Grahamstown 2016 (Incorporating the Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Festival)

Support funding from:  The Austrian Embassy  Concerts  Concerts  The French Institute of South Africa  London Centre of Contemporary Music  Paul Bothner Music  ProHelvetia  The Royal Embassy  SAMRO  Swedish Arts Council / Swedish Jazz Federation / Mary Lou Meese Youth Jazz Fund  Swiss Arts Council  The US Embassy

Thursday 30 June

Soul Housing Project

Contemporary /Hip-Hop/House

Soul Housing Project is the contemporary project of Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz Bokani Dyer and vocalist Sakhile Moleshe, “the voice of Goldfish”. Their music reflects their international, southern African and urban influences: rich, warm vocals, layered with a touch of that classic soul sound, topped with accents of hip-hop, jazz, house and drum ‘n bass. On stage they are dynamic and energetic, getting the crowds to their feet and dropping beats which no doubt “keep the fires burning“ - just like the refrain of one of their most popular songs, “Furnace of the Mind”.

Bokani Dyer (keyboards), Sakhile Moleshe (vocals), Al Dirt du Toit (guitar), Eugene Ackerman (bass), Larnelle Gordon (drums)

DSG Hall Thursday 30 June 17:00 R80

Trio Corrente

Two Latin Grammys – Brazilian music at its best

Trio Corrente draws from the highest ranks of Brazil’s jazz scene and has garnered two Grammys. The band has worked with the likes of Mike Stern and Stacey Kent, and in 2014 they won the Grammy for Best Latin Jazz Album, Maura, featuring Paquito D'Rivera. Their sound boasts a funky edge whilst remaining extremely agile, the arrangements often breathtaking as they move across the rich rhythmic terrain of bossa, samba and choro. As a trio of gifted Brazilian musicians their music balances equal parts lightness of touch and heavy compelling groove.

Fabio Torres (piano - BR), Paulo Paulelli (bass - BR), Edu Ribeiro (drums - BR)

DSG Hall Thursday 30 June 19:30 R80

Claude Cozens Trio

Fresh conversations rooted in Cape Jazz

Described by Down Beat Magazine (USA) as a “generous leader, with a perpetual groove and engaging compositional narratives”, Claude Cozens is establishing himself as an exciting young drummer and band leader, renowned for his distinctive, open-style percussive drumming technique. His music naturally reflects the rich and diverse sounds and rhythms of his home town, Cape Town, but is a fresh perspective on Jazz that incorporates the broader African continent and other modern musical genres. His trio features two other young jazz lions – Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz 2014 Kyle Shepherd on piano and keyboards and Benjamin Jephta on bass.

Claude Cozens (drums), Kyle Shepherd (piano), Benjamin Jephta (bass)

DSG Hall Thursday 30 June 22:00 R80

Standard Bank Jazz Cafe

Sit back and relax to collaborations between musicians performing at this year’s Standard Bank Jazz Festival. The Cafe has a chilled vibe to go along with the great food and drink, and is the place where musicians go to meet and possibly jam. Jazz in the Cafe tonight is focussed largely on South African jazz standards, hosted by Sydney Mavundla (trumpet), who is joined by Mark Ginsburg (sax – AU), Thandi Ntuli (piano), Ildo Nandja (bass – MZ) and Kevin Gibson (drums).

SB Jazz & Blues Café Thursday 30 June 22:30 R80

Friday 1 July

David Kontra Trio

Excellent Swedish youth jazz

For nearly ten years, we have hosted the cream of Swedish youth jazz, with the winners of the Swedish Jazz Federation Youth Competition joining us in Grahamstown each year to interact with young South Africans. This year’s band - from Sundsvall - is unusually good and represents the future of Swedish Jazz.

David Kontra (guitar - SE), Jonathan Ericsson (bass - SE), Jakob Bylund (drums - SE)

DSG Auditorium Friday 1 July 12:00 R40

Trio Corrente

See Thursday 30 June 19:30.

Fabio Torres (piano - BR), Paulo Paulelli (bass - BR), Edu Ribeiro (drums - BR)

DSG Hall Friday 1 July 17:00 R80

Cape to Calais

Sensitive, evocative collaboration

The established French duo of Daniel Mille and Stéphane Chausse is joined by Dutch master bassist Hein van de Geyn, whose sonorous strength has been the dependable basis for musicians from to Toots Tielemans to . South African guitarist Dave Ledbetter has played in virtually every context imaginable - TV, Radio, Cabaret, Live Theatre, International Jazz Festivals, Folk Festivals, Rock Festivals, Big Band, orchestral work, soundtracks – and adds a subtle beauty to the ensemble. Expect a sensitive, evocative and very beautiful collaboration.

Daniel Mille (accordion - FR), Stéphane Chausse (clarinet- FR), David Ledbetter (guitar), Hein van de Geyn (bass – NL/SA)

DSG Auditorium Friday 1 July 19:00 R80

Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz: Siya Makuzeni I

Experimental and creative vocalist with unique timbre

This year’s Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner for Jazz, Siya Makuzeni, has been honing her vocal and trombone artistry for years with A-list South African musicians such as Marcus Wyatt, McCoy Mrubata, Carlo Mombelli, Feya Faku, Khaya Mahlangu, Sibongile Khumalo and many more, as well as establishing her own project, Ippyfüz. She is known for her experimental and creative approach and unique timbre, using electronics to enhance and manipulate her voice. She has performed in most South African music festivals and from the Stockholm Jazz Festival to Paris and Vienna. She has been featured on many recordings, such as in her work in with Themba Mkhize and the SWR Big Band, and in Italy where she contributed to the soundtrack of Forse Dio è Malato with the Oscar-winning company CAM Scores. Catch her here leading a stellar ensemble of young South African musicians.

Siya Makuzeni (vocals, trombone), Sisonke Xonti (sax), Sakhile Simani (trumpet), Thandi Ntuli (piano), Benjamin Jephta (bass), Ayanda Sikade (drums)

DSG Hall Friday 1 July 19:30 R80

Rabitsch & Pawlik Quartet

Powerful potion of jazz multiculturalism

Michaela Rabitsch – Austrian singer, composer and trumpeter – has been called a modern-day female Chet Baker by the US magazine Jazzscene. She and her ingenious partner – fluid guitarist Robert Pawlik - present music inspired by their numerous tours through Europe, Asia, the Americas and Africa. African rhythms, Flamenco touch, Cuban fire and Balkan grooves have all made their mark on their music and recent tours to Morocco, Senegal, India and Malaysia have exposed them to West African, Arab and Berber musical cultures. Tonight they are joined by guest pianist Nduduzo Makhathini.

Michaela Rabitsch (trumpet - AT), Robert Pawlik (guitar - AT), Stefan Bartus (bass - SK), Dusan Novakov (drums - AT)

DSG Auditorium Friday 1 July 21:30 R80

Tough Tenors

Hard bop with a modern approach

The powerhouse tenor sax duo of Dave O’Higgins (Britain) and Per Thornberg () presents a modern update of the classic 1960 /Eddie Lockjaw Davis collaboration, mixing hard bop with some funkier arrangements – in the tradition but with a modern approach. O’Higgins is one of the most accomplished jazz musicians in Britain with an enviable reputation for technique and variety and has regularly partnered Darius Brubeck in recent years. Thornberg is not only an excellent and lucid player, but has received the award for “Best Jazz Teacher” in Sweden! They are joined by a solid Cape Town rhythm section.

Dave O’Higgins (sax - UK), Per Thornberg (sax - SE), Andrew Lilley (piano), Romy Brauteseth (bass), Kevin Gibson (drums)

DSG Hall Friday 1 July 22:00 R80

Standard Bank Jazz Cafe

Sit back and relax to collaborations between musicians performing at this year’s Standard Bank Jazz Festival. The Cafe has a chilled vibe to go along with the great food and drink, and is the place where musicians go to meet and jam. Jazz in the Cafe tonight is hosted by Bokani Dyer and Sakhile Moleshe’s Soul Housing Project (see Thursday 30 June 17:00).

SB Jazz & Blues Café Friday 1 July 22:30 R80

Saturday 2 July

School/Youth bands I

Sharing the bill are two of the leading school jazz bands in the country - the Rondebosch Big Band (Cape Town) and Stirling Big Band (East London) - showing clearly that Big Band jazz is thriving in high schools around South Africa.

DSG Auditorium Saturday 2 July 12:00 R40

Toon Roos Quartet

Lyrical funky jazz, groovy and spontaneous

Master Dutch saxophonist Toon Roos has collaborated with greats such as Joe Zawinul, John Scofield, , Steely Dan, , Art Blakey and and has played in leading bands such as the Metropole Orchestra and the Dutch Jazz Orchestra, with over 30 recordings, six under his leadership. He has performed all over Europe, as well as in the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean and China and is principal teacher at the jazz departments of the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague and of the Utrecht School of the Arts. With his intuitive, lyrical and well-balanced style, he is considered to be one of the finest tenor and soprano saxophonists in today’s contemporary Eureopan jazz scene. His quartet plays lyrical, funky jazz with world music that is groovy, in the moment, open and spacious, spontaneous and highly expressive.

Toon Roos (sax - NL), Karel Boehlee (piano - NL), Hein van de Geyn (bass – NL/SA), Joost van Schaik (drums - NL)

DSG Hall Saturday 2 July 17:00 R80

Mille/Chausse

Stunning musical chemistry and beautiful lyricism

French accordionist Daniel Mille's masterful playing has earned him awards and international acclaim, including the prestigious Django d'Or Prize. As a young musician he started his career on the streets of Paris until legendary French music producer Pierre Barouh took notice and offered him a record contract. Mille is joined on stage by French clarinetist Stéphane Chausse who has appeared with artists such as Quincy Jones, , Diana Krall, Natalie Cole and Ray Charles. The duo has performed regularly around the world, producing stunning musical chemistry and beautiful lyricism.

Daniel Mille (accordion - FR), Stéphane Chausse (clarinet- FR)

DSG Auditorium Saturday 2 July 19:00 R80

Afrika Mkhize Big Band

Tribute to Bheki Mseleku

Durban-born 2012 Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner for Jazz, pianist Afrika Mkhize, will be honouring the late jazz legend Bheki Mseleku with a powerful big band tribute, presenting music from Bheki’s various albums. “Taking the Bheki Mseleku Big Band Tribute to audiences around South Africa allows the spirit of Bheki’s music to live on,” says Mkhize. The aim is to inspire a new generation of young artists and musicians, who in turn will be able to carve their own path in defining the role of the African artist. The big band reflects a national potpourri of jazz talent with the addition of visiting artists from the UK, USA and .

Sax: Marc de Kock, Mthunzi Mvubu, Dave O’Higgins (UK), Sisonke Xonti , Justin Bellairs; Trumpet: Sydney Mavundla, Sakhile Simani, Eddie Lewis (US), Lwanda Gogwana; Trombone: Andreas Tschopp (CH), Kyle du Preez, Murray Buitendag, Justin Sasman; Piano/Conductor: Afrika Mkhize; Piano: Bokani Dyer; Bass: Benjamin Jephta; Drums: Ayanda Sikade; Vocals: Siya Makuzeni

DSG Hall Saturday 2 July 19:30 R100

School/Youth bands II

Catch a glimpse of the jazz being nurtured in our university Music departments with two bands that are gigging in our two urban centres and were envisioned and led by students. Trumpeter Marco Maritz brings his quartet of UCT classmates – A Level Collective - and Nhlanhla Ngqaqu leads his Wits contemporaries in the Iphupho L'ka Biko Afrocentric Band.

DSG Auditorium Saturday 2 July 21:30 R40

The Kiffness

Jazzy, groovy house music

Cape Town duo The Kiffness has rapidly become one of South Africa's favourite live electronic acts, producing jazzy, groovy house music. The duo produces an exciting live show with a mix of uninhibited dancing, skilled live instrumentation and deep grooving house beats. Founder member Dave Scott first attended the Jazz Festival as a 13- year-old trumpeter and his musical partner, Clem Carr, was in the Standard Bank National Schools Jazz Band in 2003. The Kiffness has managed to make their way from bedroom producers to becoming an international outfit garnering numerous awards, nominations, and songs topping local radio charts.

David Scott (production, keyboard, trumpet), Clement Carr (saxophone, keyboard, synths)

DSG Hall Saturday 2 July 22:00 R80

Standard Bank Jazz Cafe

Sit back and relax to collaborations between musicians performing at this year’s Standard Bank Jazz Festival. The Cafe has a chilled vibe to go along with the great food and drink, and is the place where musicians go to meet and jam. Jazz in the Cafe tonight is hosted by saxophonist Mthunzi Mvubu, joined by Sakhile Moleshe (vocals), Sakhile Simani (trumpet), Keenan Ahrends (guitar), Benjamin Jephta (bass) and Ayanda Sikade (drums).

SB Jazz & Blues Café Saturday 2 July 22:30 R80

Young Guns

The new generation

Grahamstown is South Africa’s prime space for collaboration and a litmus test of the nation’s jazz future. We proudly present five of the most burning young musicians from around the country, playing each other’s music and pushing the boundaries. They have been members of the Standard Bank National Schools and Youth Bands and are increasingly the first-call sidemen for South Africa’s established jazz musicians, now on the cusp of being established band leaders themselves. Come and watch the future!

Sisonke Xonti (sax), Justin Bellairs (sax), Thandi Ntuli (piano), Romy Brauteseth (bass), Claude Cozens (drums)

DSG Auditorium Saturday 2 July 23:30 R80

Sunday 3 July

School/youth bands III

We feature the youth band from CAFCA Matlosana, a jazz development programme in Klerksdorp, and then the UKZN Jazz Band, who will be performing in Norway later this year.

DSG Auditorium Sunday 3 July 12:00 R40

Afrika Mkhize Big Band

See Saturday 2 July 19:30.

DSG Hall Sunday 3 July 17:00 R100

Justin Binek

Fresh take on the classic vocal jazz combo

Singer and pianist Justin Binek draws from a wide range of musical influences - jazz and pop styles, French Impressionist art songs, contemporary musical theatre – and fuses them in a modern jazz setting to that serves as a fresh take on the jazz combo while still paying homage to the roots of the jazz art form. Binek is a Doctoral Teaching Fellow at the University of North Texas. He earned a Master of Music in Voice Performance from Western Michigan University and has been very successful as Head of Vocal Jazz Studies at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia and as Director of Choral and Jazz Ensembles at the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND.

Justin Binek (vocals, piano - US), Per Thornberg (sax - SE), Gordon Vernick (trumpet – US), David Ledbetter (guitar), Romy Brauteseth (bass), Kevin Gibson (drums)

DSG Auditorium Sunday 3 July 19:00 R80

Tschopp/Mombelli

Expect the unexpected!

“Disconcertingly beautiful” was the comment on Carlo Mombelli’s playing from The Jazz Times – the world’s leading jazz periodical. The US Bass Player Magazine’s view was that “Once in a while an artist comes along who produces music unlike anything you’ve heard.” This year Mombelli joins forces with three young Swiss musicians, led by trombonist Andreas Tschopp, who studied trombone at the Music Academy in Basel under Adrian Mears, a long- time collaborator with Mombelli. Tschopp has played with, among others, Bob Brookmeyer’s New Art Orchestra and in the big band of Quincy Jones' 75th Birthday party (special guests Herbie Hancock, Chaka Khan, Al Jarreau) and has performed at the North Sea Jazz Festival, the Willisau Jazz Festival, and the Montreux Jazz Festival. Expect the unexpected!

Carlo Mombelli (bass), Andreas Tschopp (trombone - CH), Florian Egli (sax - CH), Florian Favre (piano - CH), Sphelelo Mazibuko (drums)

DSG Hall Sunday 3 July 19:30 R80

Toon Roos Quartet

See Friday 1 July 17:00.

DSG Auditorium Sunday 3 July 21:30 R80

Ginsburg/Mezza Convergence Band

Tantalizing blend of cultural sounds

‘Convergence’ is a cross-cultural meeting of like-minded musicians sharing their individual musical experiences to weave a tapestry of sounds and styles, bringing together a multitude of influences with jazz at the core. Mark Ginsburg is a formidable force in the Australian jazz scene with strong influences from his South African upbringing. He is joined by Vittorio Mezza – performer, composer, educator, author and serial award winner – from Italy. They join a potent South African rhythm section with the addition of a group of inspiring young South African vocalists led by Australian vocal coach Judy Campbell. The music reflects retro and contemporary themes and a tantalizing blend of varied cultural sounds.

Mark Ginsburg (sax – AU), Vittorio Mezza (piano - IT), Romy Brauteseth (bass), Kevin Gibson (drums) + special highlight Judy Campbell (vocal ensemble - AU)

DSG Hall Sunday 3 July 22:00 R80

Standard Bank Jazz Cafe

Sit back and relax to collaborations between musicians performing at this year’s Standard Bank Jazz Festival. The Cafe has a chilled vibe to go along with the great food and drink, and is the place where musicians go to meet and jam. Jazz in the Cafe tonight is hosted by Dan Shout (sax), joined by Gordon Vernick (trumpet – US), Dave Ledbetter (guitar), Andrew Lilley (piano), Ildo Nandja (bass – MZ) and Claude Cozens (drums).

SB Jazz & Blues Café Sunday 3 July 22:30 R80

Rabitsch & Pawlik Quartet

Powerful potion of jazz multiculturalism

Austrians Michaela Rabitsch and Robert Pawlik have toured the world, collaborating with musicians of all nationalities and imbibing the various music nationalities to brew a powerful potion of jazz multiculturalism. Tonight they collaborate with Swedish saxophonist Per Thornberg.

Michaela Rabitsch (trumpet, vocals - AT), Robert Pawlik (guitar - AT), Stefan Bartus (bass - SK), Dusan Novakov (drums - AT) + guest Per Thornberg (sax – SE)

DSG Auditorium Sunday 3 July 23:30 R80

Monday 4 July

Youth Jazz Vocals

A celebration of school and university jazz choirs and vocal soloists from around the country, supported by professional jazz musicians.

DSG Auditorium Monday 4 July 12:00 R40

Standard Bank National Schools’ Big Band

The Standard Bank National Schools’ Big Band consists of the top young school jazz musicians in the country. Under the musical direction of Dan Shout – experienced jazz saxophonist and big band player from Cape Town – the band performs material worked on over the five days of the Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Festival.

DSG Hall Monday 4 July 17:00 R40

Petter Wettre Quartet

Virtuoso Norwegian saxophonist

Petter Wettre has, since the early 90s, made his mark as one of the most important musicians on the Norwegian jazz scene, and is arguably one of the most virtuoso saxophonists in the world today. Wettre is known for playing contemporary jazz and has 2 Grammys and 4 Grammy nominations spread over his illustriously-decorated career. A graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he studied with and , he has 18 recordings as a band leader and has featured as a sideman or guest soloist on 50 albums in all styles, ranging through jazz, gospel, pop and world music and has performed the world over with the likes of Shirley Bassey, , and Manu Katche.

Petter Wettre (sax – NO), (piano - NO), Julian Haugland (bass -NO), Karl Henrik Ousbäck (drums –SE)

DSG Hall Monday 4 July 19:30 R80

Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Band

The Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Band presents a selection of the top young jazz musicians in the country between the ages of 19 and 25 years. This year the band is under the musical direction of legendary South African bassist, Carlo Mombelli.

DSG Hall Monday 4 July 22:00 R40

Tuesday 5 July

Petter Wettre Quartet

See Monday 4 July 19:30.

DSG Hall Tuesday 5 July 17:00 R80

Tschopp/Mombelli

See Sunday 3 July 19:30.

DSG Hall Tuesday 5 July 19:30 R80

Wednesday 6 July

Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz: Siya Makuzeni II

Vocalist and trombonist Siya Makuzeni shows off the jazz skills, creativity and variety that brought her this year’s Standard Bank Young Artist Award. This time she performs in standard jazz quartet format.

Siya Makuzeni (vocals, trombone), Makeson Browne/Mark Fransman (piano), Keenan Ahrends (guitar), Benjamin Jephta (bass), Sphelelo Mazibuko (drums)

DSG Hall Wednesday 6 July 17:00 R80

Paul Hanmer & Wendy Oldfield

Heart-warming collaboration

Jazz pianist Paul Hanmer and indie/rock/world songwriter and singer Wendy Oldfield team up in a unique collaboration that fuses jazz, folk, pop and African styles to bridge a path between genres. There’s something for old fans and new as these consummate performers revive a nostalgia for what was, but also create a sense of moving forward, learning, adapting, and changing. Hanmer’s keyboard skill and Oldfield’s arrestingly edgy voice fuse beautifully, complemented by two old campaigners, guitarist Soyaphi Louis Mhlanga and tabla player Ashish Joshi.

Paul Hanmer (piano), Wendy Oldfield (vocals), Soyaphi Louis Mhlanga (guitar), Ashish Joshi (percussion)

DSG Hall Wednesday 6 July 19:30 R80

Phumlani Mtiti

Young contemporary jazz saxophonist

Saxophonist Phumlani Mtiti grew up in Port Elizabeth and studied at UCT and in Norway. He won a SAMA for Best Contemporary Jazz in 2011 for his duo Ological Studies, as well as three subsequent SAMA nominations. He plays in a wide range of music styles and is passionate about developing South African music. He is now teaching and performing in Durban and tonight presents a powerful combination of young KZN musicians.

Phumlani Mtiti (sax), Leon Scharnick (sax), Zibusiso Makhathini (piano), Dalisu Ndlazi (bass), Bucco Xaba (drums)

SB Jazz & Blues Café Wednesday 6 July 22:30 R80

Thursday 7 July

Offshore

Jazz with fusions of world music, funk and reggae

Offshore's sound is eclectic and sophisticated, deeply based in the jazz tradition with fusions of world music, funk and reggae. The band began with a core of three Knysna-based musicians, led by pianist Martin Wolfaardt, and has evolved over the years with several musicians added to Offshore’s flexible line-up - the extraordinary, iconoclastic Buddy Wells; the powerfully emotive, modern sound of Reza Khota; Lee Thomson’s beautiful tone; and Romy Brauteseth’s youthful intensity, authenticity and musicality that has made her one of the most sought-after bass players in the country. The Offshore live experience has little to do with any particular musical trend or artistic narrative; each performance is, essentially, an act of complete immersion in the profound mystery that is the moment of creation.

Martin Wolfaardt (piano), Buddy Wells (sax), Lee Thomson (trumpet), Reza Khota (guitar), Romy Brauteseth(bass), Jonno Sweetman (drums)

DSG Hall Thursday 7 July 17:00 R80

Frank Paco Art Ensemble

High-energy pulses and enchanting melodies

With high-energy rhythmic pulses and enchanting melodies, the Frank Paco Art ensemble paints a musical landscape that offers an explosive live experience. The music can be described as Nu-World Jazz - an amalgamation of Jazz tones with its African roots from East to West. Frank Paco – a maestro on drums and percussion – started playing drums at a tender age in and recalls making his own drums and guitars out of oil canisters as a child, as it was hard to find musical instruments in a Mozambique oppressed by a raging civil war. Despite the challenges he went on to achieve musical greatness, garnering numerous awards for his various collaborative projects and ensembles. No stranger to Grahamstown, he returns with his latest captivating outfit.

Frank Paco (drums - MZ), Buddy Wells (sax), Zoe Modiga (vocals), Keenan Ahrends (guitar), Blake Hellaby (piano), Peter Dlala (bass)

DSG Hall Thursday 7 July 19:30 R80

Paul Hanmer & Wendy Oldfield

See Wednesday 6 July 19:30.

SB Jazz & Blues Café Thursday 7 July 22:30 R80

Friday 8 July

Swing City

Three of SA’s best loved singers pay tribute to the Swing tradition

Swing City features three of South Africa’s best-loved singers backed by a thrilling and thunderous jazz band. Their sound is hip and fresh, yet masterfully pays due respect to the jazz traditions of old. Swing City consists of Lonehill Estate’s Nathan Ro, whose love for swing music has always been deeply entrenched; Graeme Watkins, whose background in music and theatre started as a swing singer long before his success on Idols or in his indie rock band “The Graeme Watkins Project”; and Lloyd Cele of SA Idols fame, who has climbed the radio charts as a singer- songwriter.

Graeme Watkins (vocals), Nathan Ro (vocals), Lloyd Cele (vocals), Linda Sikhakhane (sax), David Sendef (trumpet), Bez Roberts (trombone), David Cousins (piano), Rudo Pieterse (bass), Justin Badenhorst (drums)

DSG Hall Friday 8 July 17:00 R130

Caiphus Semenya

South African music legend

Self-exiled from South Africa in the 1960s, South African music legend Caiphus Semenya has built a solid reputation as a musical director and composer, working with his wife, vocalist Letta Mbulu, as well as with and Miriam Makeba. After moving to Los Angeles, Semenya found himself working with and composing for a broad range of jazz and pop artists, including Nina Simone and Cannonball Adderley and he established a long-time collaboration with Quincy Jones, resulting in Semenya providing compositions for the scores to ‘Roots’ and ‘The Color Purple’, for which he was nominated for an Oscar. He later worked on the score to Disney's ‘The Lion King’. Since his return to South Africa in 1990, he has re-established himself as a central pillar of our music.

Band tbc

Guy Butler Theatre, Monument Friday 8 July 19:00 R130

Simphiwe Dana

Traditional African with contemporary soul

Simphiwe Dana is one of South Africa’s most soulful singers as well as being a leading socio-political musical activist, asserting a powerful African identity through her art form. She burst onto the South African scene in 2004 with her debut album, earning her a South African Music Award for “Best Jazz Vocal Album” and “Best Newcomer" and two years later she was named the "Best Female Artist", with the song "The One Love Movement on Bantu Biko Street", at the SAMAs. Dana blends traditional African music with contemporary soul and shows hints of gospel and blues. She is also increasingly a singing sensation in the World Music scene in Europe.

Simphiwe Dana (vocals), Themba Mokoena (guitar), Butana Ngubeni (keyboard), Masoja Nhlengethwa (bass), Siphiwe Shiburi (drums)

DSG Hall Friday 8 July 21:00 R130

Frank Paco Art Ensemble

See Thursday 7 July 19:30.

SB Jazz & Blues Café Friday 8 July 22:30 R80

Saturday 9 July

Swing City

See Friday 8 July 17:00.

DSG Hall Saturday 9 July 12:00 R130

Nokukhanya Dlamini

Straight-ahead jazz to Afro-Jazz, traditional music and soul

Nokukhanya Dlamini – ‘the one who brings light’ – has been building her solo career parallel to backing and working with some of South Africa’s most revered artists, including Sibongile Khumalo, Judith Sephuma and Yvonne Chaka Chaka. Dlamini’s first musical break was in popular Gospel choirs like Family Factory, but time spent with Gloria Bosman and Themba Mkhize has turned her into the complete jazz product. Her approach sparkles with a power that allows her beautiful voice to travel effortlessly across a musical landscape featuring everything from straight- ahead jazz to Afro-Jazz, traditional music and soul.

Nokukhanya Dlamini (vocals), Thobekile Masinga (vocals), Francina Mncube (vocals), Sifiso Makalisa (piano), Thembinkosi Banda (bass), Bernice Boikanyo (drums)

DSG Hall Saturday 9 July 17:00 R100

Ringo Madlingozi

King of African love songs

Ringo Madlingozi, whose roots lie in the Eastern Cape, is a legendary, award-winning South African musician who has won several SAMA and Kora Music Awards; produced and released 10 albums and 2 live DVDs; and has toured extensively locally and internationally. Having last performed at the National Arts Festival in the 1990s Ringo is back for another much-anticipated performance. He has had a long and illustrious music career starting in the dusty streets of Gugulethu, showing off his musical talent from the tender age of 3, to winning the Shell Road to Fame music competition with his band, Peto. Ringo is well loved and has a fan-base of millions, many of whom have affectionately crowned him the King of Love Songs.

Guy Butler Theatre, Monument Saturday 9 July 19:00 R130

Simphiwe Dana

See Friday 8 July 21:00.

DSG Hall Saturday 9 July 21:00 R130

Msaki

South Africa’s Tracy Chapman

East London-born Asanda ‘Msaki’ Mvana is an independent singer/songwriter who has performed around the country, committing herself to music after a stint in both Law and Art. She sings effortlessly with a natural resonance and depth, strongly reminiscent of the throaty power and social activism of Tracy Chapman. ‘Zaneliza: How the Water Moves’ is her debut album, released to critical acclaim and addresses loss, hope and the wave-like rhythms in between those two states of being.

Msaki (vocals, guitar), Timothy Hutchinson (guitar, sax), Sophie Riebstein (harp ), Tsepo Pooe (cello), Eleanore Roselt (violin, eukelele), Ilke Leah Alexandra (flute) , Joel Karabo Elliott (trombone, guitar), Nduduzo Makhathini (piano), Thembinkosi Mavimbela (bass), Gontse Makhene (percussion)

SB Jazz & Blues Café Saturday 9 July 22:30 R80

For more information check www.youthjazz.co.za

Produced by Eastern Cape Jazz Promotions

Festival Director Alan Webster Festival Manager Donné Dowlman Production Manager Matthew Boon Chief Sound Engineer Les van der Veen Administration Janet Webster, Dean Flanagan, Donovan Abrey