The University of Johannesburg(UJ) Arts & Culture’s much-anticipated, Weekend of Jazz concert, makes its return to Jozi’s social calendar in celebration of the country’s jazz talent.
The three-day jazz experience, from August 29 to 31, will take centre stage at the UJ Art Centre where Mandla Mlangeni, Keenan Meyer and many others will enthral jazz fans.
Additionally, before the weekend commences, an exclusive listening session in collaboration with Untitled Basement will take place on August 28.
The main acts set to treat music fans to some of their timeless music offerings will be Mlangeni, Metro FM 2024 Best Jazz Album of the Year winner, trumpeter and composer, followed by the award-winning songwriter and jazz vocalist, Gabi Motuba, and renowned pianist and composer, and UJ Artist in Residence, Meyer.
On the evening of August 29, Mlangeni and his Cape Town based band Tune Recreation Committee (TRC) takes to the stage to re-acquaint audiences with music from their third studio album, ‘The Future Is Now’.
The TRC features drummer Joshua Klein, bassist Nicholas Williams, and guest guitarist Vuma Levin. This special performance celebrates their musical journey, showcasing the evolution of the members’ compositional styles.
Speaking about the album and its central theme, Mlangeni said: “We fused the influences of those who came before us such as Moses Molelekwa, Bra Hugh Masekela, Mam Busi Mhlongo, with elements of the jazz tradition in America and what that means to us.”
Motuba, one of South Africa’s most captivating and talented jazz musicians, known for her emotive performances and distinct musical style, will grace the stage on Friday evening alongside her ensemble.
She will also be launching her much anticipated album, ‘The Sabbath’, that evening.
UJ arts and culture marketing manager, Lakin Morgan-Baatjies said music lovers, especially jazz enthusiasts, will be treated to a musical celebration that looks set to entertain and captivate jazz audiences and cultural enthusiasts alike in what he termed an “unforgettable musical experience” from some of the leading jazz artists in the country.
This, he said, will culminate in an exciting album launch by Motuba and Meyer’s seven track extended project (EP).
“Furthermore, our exclusive listening session offers a unique opportunity for audiences to engage with the performers and explore their musical styles in an intimate setting. Since its inception in 2018, the UJ Weekend of Jazz has established itself as a pivotal platform, dedicated to making jazz accessible to diverse audiences.
“By curating a dynamic array of performances, it has created an inviting space for both seasoned jazz enthusiasts and newcomers to experience the genre’s rich tapestry,” he added.
The Star