Arts writer
LAST year jazz enthusiasts Koko “Cokes” Kalashe and Luvuyo Kakaza, initiated a new concept to identify performance spaces in Western Cape townships for musicians to perform together. The venture saw music lovers listening to the likes of bassist Herbie Tsoaeli on his African Time Tour and the Andile Yenana Quartet.
The former Joburger’s Jazz in the Native Yards concert series has been revived, with mid-month sessions and the last Friday of the month planned.
The next gig will be on July 18 at Sec’s place NY 138, No. 52, Gugulethu at 7pm. It will feature Blacki Tempi on trumpet, George Werner piano, Ivan Bell drums and Tino Europa on bass.
“A few months ago I relocated from Johannesburg to my home town and was appalled that live jazz still largely happened in “town”. I remembered my days growing up in Gugs where impromptu live jazz sessions were the order of every weekend in the NYs (Native Yards). I listened to Josh Sithole, who became famous for playing the penny whistle and later joined Chris McGregor in France, with his band Skyf. There were the Nofemele brothers who played The Manhattan Brothers covers with unsurpassed flair.
Fast forward to 2013, jazz clubs are still largely in town, but the live jazz scene is brewing in the township and young musicians need to be given a space to perform”, says Kalashe.
“The legacy of legends like Winston Mankunku Ngozi, Ezra Ngcukana, Robbie Jansen and Cups Nkanuka has to live on in every township backyard, JNY is replanting that seed”, adds Kakaza.
l Tickets are R40 to R50.