Jazz’Afro to end 2016 on high note

JAZZ pianist, composer and lecturer John Edwards will be the last act to perform on the Jazz’Afro Sundays stage in the Opera House’s intimate Barn Theatre this year.

Edwards and his band will perform on Sunday at 5pm.

Edwards graduated from the University of KwaZulu-Natal with a master’s in jazz performance, composition and arranging.

He lectured at UKZN for two years while continuing to pursue his performance career as a professional jazz musician.

Edwards was appointed as jazz studies lecturer at Rhodes University in 2006 and took up a lecturing post at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in 2010.

He developed and continues to direct the NMMU Big Band and has recorded an album of original compositions. He has performed with nationally and internationally renowned musicians.

Edwards, on piano, will be playing with NMMU senior music students Grant Allison on bass guitar, Thoba Goba on drums and NMMU music department graduate Curtis Kettledas on alto saxophone. The set will include original compositions.

Admission is R70 (R50 for pensioners), with discounts available for Friends of the Opera House.

Seating is limited, so it is best to arrive early. A cash bar will be available in the upper foyer. Book with Cingiwe Skosana at

or Nomgcobo Mkize at