Recalling golden era of jazz in SA
Book tells of a musical journey
Entertainment maverick Thabo “Touch” Molefe launches Jazz Epistles, The Living History, a book celebrating one of the golden eras of jazz.
The event will be attended by Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa. In a statement, the book is described as a historical account of the story of the legendary Jazz Epistles comprised of Hugh Masekela, Jonas Gwangwa and Abdullah Ibrahim. The book was inspired by the group’s 2016 reunion concert at Emperors Palace in tribute to the 40th anniversary of June 16 1976 youth uprising. The concert was co-produced by Molefe’s Touch HD.
It was their first performance since they split in 1960.
The book, authored by Nandi Molefe, is touted as a conversation starter about the importance of the preservation and promotion of SA’s heritage and arts. It tells of the musical journey of the above trio, then in their 20s, travelled together.
It also touches on the context of SA jazz in the African jazz genre and how local jazz of the 1960s and ’70s impacted on the global anti-apartheid movement.
Mthethwa wrote the foreword with the introduction penned by MP Mondli Gungubele. Proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to the respective charity organisations of the musicians.
Molefe said: “It’s both fitting and special that we launch this book on the birthday of Bra Hugh Masekela. Young SA artists need to know that their jazz forefathers shook the world with their raw South African sound. They broke down the doors of the Grammys, Hollywood, concert halls and international royal houses.”
Mthethwa said: “Our current musical culture has been shaped by these three musical maestros and other legends whose music and contribution resonate with us but also has found eager audiences on the stages of the world.”
The book is part of the “SA Legend” series by the Department of Arts and Culture honouring and documenting SA legends. New generation jazz musicians Sydney Mavundla and Nduduzo Makhathini are billed to perform at the gala dinner launch.