Festival Set to Celebrate Women in Jazz

The upcoming Imbokodo Jazz Festival in Durban boasts a line-up of talent that will cater to both jazz purists and lovers of contemporary jazz. The jazz showcase takes place Saturday, August 12, 2017 at N Shed in the Port of Durban and is hosted by community based non-profit organisation, iTheku Regional Jazz Association (iTReJA), an affiliate of the South African Jazz Appreciators Association (SAJAA).

SAJAA Chairman Mncedi Zulu said Women’s Month provides the perfect timing for this festival that aims to celebrate outstanding females in the local jazz scene. The intention is to develop it over time into Durban’s unique women-only jazz showcase, from organising to production to artists.

Artists set to hit all the right notes include soulful singer Xolisa Dlamini, award-winning bassist/vocalist Chantal Willie-Petersen who will perform with the Feya Faku Quartet, emerging powerhouse vocalist Lindiwe Maxolo, and Durban-born jazz singer, songwriter and voice over artist Spha Mdlalose.

Also performing at the festival are emerging, young artists who will hopefully dispel the notion that jazz is reserved for mature audiences only.

The UKZN jazz band features vocalist Ayanda Thango, bassist Dalisu Ndlazi, drummer Riley Giandhari, guitarist Nick Pitman and music director and pianist Sibusiso “Mash” Mashiloane.

Also a band of students, UCeeJazz Ensemble is an all-female collective of three young, talented musos from Umlazi ComTech who are creating waves locally.

Durban-born vocalist Njabulo Nzuza will return to his hometown from Cape Town to enthral audiences from the Imbokodo stage. His style draws on musical inspiration from Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett and Michael Bublé.

The portside venue N-Shed is provided by Transnet National Ports Authority as part of its commitment to transformation and women’s empowerment, while the City of eThekwini via the Mayor’s Office has also endorsed the event as a platform for creative expression and the empowerment of women and youth.

In addition to live jazz, the Imbokodo Jazz Festival will have food vendors selling various cuisine, a beer and whisky marquee and a chill area for networking and hanging out with fellow jazzophiles. CDs of recording artists on the line-up will be sold on site. No credit card facilities will be available, so cash should be carried.
To enjoy this one-stage, eight-act jazz event, tickets are R300 each and can only be booked online at www.imbokodojazzfestival.co.za. No tickets will be sold at the door. The line-up starts at 1pm and runs until 1am.

Tsogo Sun is the preferred partner for accommodation bookings. Out of town guests may contact Zukiswa Lisa on 031 366 7035 or zukiswa.lisa@tsogosun.com. Booking codes are as follows: Elangeni Maharani – 1263210 ; Garden Court Marine Parade – 1263211; Suncoast Sunsquare – 1263212.

Follow the Imbokodo Jazz Festival on social media:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/imbokodojazzfestival
Instagram: @imbokodojazz
Twitter: @imbokodojazz

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