Jazz Fest announces top new acts
THE Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) has announced four new and exciting acts for its 19th edition.
Leading the announcement was the tribute to Africa’s jazz icon and longtime friend of the festival, Hugh Masekela, who died last month.
Celebrating his long history with the festival, from performing at the first one in 2000, to his memorable on-stage appearances over the years, this emotional tribute, “The Boy’s Doin’ It: A Celebration of Hugh Masekela’s Life & Music (SA)”, is endorsed by the Masekela family.
Few African musicians have captured the essence of the continent’s sound as Masekela. For 78 years, South Africa was gifted with a phenomenal innovator who impacted African jazz with a unique brass tone and storytelling style that transcended the societal divide.
For this year’s festival, “The Boy’s Doin’ It“tribute will highlight the genius of this influential trumpeter, flugelhorn player, singer and composer.
The organisers of the festival said: “Whether he was breathing life into poignant heritage jazz or collaborating with hip young stars, this legend created timeless music which resonated with the young and old.
“This tribute will revisit the work of this remarkable showman, showcasing his succinct lyricism.
“Festivalgoers can expect evergreens from the Masekela songbook; township anthems that carry the weight of our history but live on to inspire and convey the abundant joy of rootsy Afro-fusion.”
Concluding the 2018 line-up are emerging global artists Tank and the Bangas (US), Masego (US) and South Africa’s Black Motion.
Festival director Billy Domingo said of this year’s line-up: “The 2018 offering encompasses the full scale of the jazz genre. This line-up showcases diverse cultures and musical styles to reveal the complexity of the music; to inspire, uplift and energise. It also presents the opportunity to indulge in a moment of quiet reflection.
“It’s an exciting programme with something for everyone, and I’m really looking forward to sharing it with our audience – loyal festinos and new visitors to the festival.
“This year it is only natural that we pay tribute to the great Bra Hugh, and I am especially proud of the celebration the Masekela family have put together to honour his incredible legacy.” – Staff Reporter