THE Cape Town International Jazz Festival is around the corner and is a treat in store for music fans. Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa has called the festival Africa’s grandest gathering. The list of artists performing this year was announced on Tuesday.
- Local artists such as PJ Powers,
- Yvonne Chaka Chaka
- And the Mahotella Queens have thrilled the fans.
Now celebrating 16 years of success, the event is happening on 27 and 28 March at venues around the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Mthethwa said his department has been associated with the festival since it began. “It has grown by leaps and bounds to become an important flag-bearer for the performing arts, especially jazz music in tourism, nation building and above all, economic development.
“The festival has attracted a growing audience from all corners of the country and the world. “It has created a platform for indigenous artists to show their outstanding talent alongside their international counterparts and to continue to nourish the soul of our people.” Festival director and co-founder Billy Domingo said the fact that people still enjoy it can be seen in the record time tickets sell out and by the fun had by those attending.
“Taking account of where we have come from, and acknowledging the incredible team behind the scenes, we thought we would it mix it up a little with a line-up that is a slightly sweeter offering.
“We have something for everyone – jazz legends, those that are up-and-coming, musical storytellers and for the young at heart, new sounds and high energy.” Domingo said people will need stamina to keep up with the music magic.
Picture credit: cape town magazine
