Free jazz workshops take music to the people
AS EAGERLY anticipated as the festival itself are the array of free Master Classes that espAfrika, organiser of the award-winning Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF), hosts in the run-up to the main event.
Recognising that not everyone with a keen interest in music has access to the principal Master Classes held at the Cape Sun each year, espAfrika created uMculo Wam in 2016. The title, meaning “My Music”, perfectly encapsulates these workshops that take the music to the people.
uMculo Wam Masiphumelele will take place in the Masiphumelele Community Hall today between 10am and 1pm.
Facilitated by Dizu Plaatjies and Alan Goldberg, the topic for this year’s discussion will tackle Indigenous Culture vs Music Technology.
There will also be interactive presentations and performances to inspire and educate the local youth.
Over in Athlone at the Cape Music Institute, and under the knowledgeable tutorship of Camillo Lombard, musicians and performers from higher education institutions will have the opportunity to meet and engage with Argentinian music outfit Escalandrum.
The workshop will also cover the business of music and offer insights on live performance techniques. This Master Class will take place on Thursday, March 30, from 10am-1pm.
Billy Domingo, festival director at the CTIJF, who is well documented as being a major champion of the CTIJF’s Sustainable Training & Development programme, confirmed that, based on the overwhelming success of the uMculo Wam 2016 launch, the programme will feature more strongly in years to come.
“Last year’s turnout confirmed our hypothesis of the need for professional master classes in our local communities,” he said.
“Providing the means with which to assist local performers understand the role that technology plays in today’s music and brand management market is vital to the long-term growth of a vibrant South African music industry and we expect an even greater attendance at this year’s events.”
Both uMculo Wam initiatives are free of charge and interested parties are encouraged to book their place early.
RSVP online today at the following links:
uMculo Wam Masiphumelele: http://bit.ly/2medcVt
uMculo Wam Athlone: http://bit.ly/2lQVvLl
For further enquiries, please contact: natana@espafrika.com