Weekend of music heaven for jazz lovers

Days after lockdown regulations were relaxed to allow music gatherings, jazz lovers in East London were treated to some sweet sounds at the weekend. 

On Friday the Eastern Cape Jazz Festival hosted a gala dinner that featured award winning performers Judith Sephuma and Sylvester Manzinyane. 

The Eastern Cape Jazz Festival was meant to take place this month, but had to be cancelled due to the lockdown.

Event organiser Mlindi Ntloko said on Friday that instead of cancelling the festival altogether, they decided to host a gala dinner.

“At least the gala dinner could keep the name of the festival alive,” he said.

Ntloko said they'd had an amazing lineup for the festival, and were hoping for a bigger audience than last year. “But some things are beyond our control.” 

He said they were hoping Covid-19 would not be around for too long as they wanted to start planning for next year’s event on time.

“We want the festival to grow and become one of the best-known musical events in the continent,” he said. 

Another artist who entertained the crowd was Ngqushwa born-singer Dumza Maswana. 

He said he was happy to be part of the event.

“I have not performed in front of an audience for a very long time. I was happy when the opportunity to perform here was presented to me. It felt strange but I enjoyed my performance,” he said.  

On Saturday evening, the Guild Theatre Artist in School hosted a jazz tribute and fundraising concert at the Guild. 

The event featured renowned artists such as Retsi Pule, Sinethemba Bili, Keiskama Music Academy, Lulama Gawulana and Siphokazi Ngxokolo. 

Organiser Sinethemba Nkoloti said the event was a tribute to local jazz greats Tally Goduko and Sonwabo Boyana. 

“It was also a platform for upcoming jazz musicians to show their talent,” she said. 

Nkoloti said they were intending to make the event an annual affair, which will both honour jazz legends and offer youngsters an opportunity to share the stage with experienced performers.