Jill Scott cancels jazz festival for movie offer

Jill Scott will not be performing at this year's Cape Town International Jazz Festival as she has been offered a role in a movie that begins filming at the end of March, 2012. Efforts to try to work around her schedule proved unsuccessful.

In a letter dated 7 March, 2012, Jill Scott's management stated: "It was with great regret that we must cancel Jill Scott's performance on 31 March, 2012, at the 13thAnnual Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Scott has been offered and accepted a movie role which begins filming at the end of this month. The rigourous taping will preclude her from travelling during this time and through the end of April."

Trying for a replacement

Since receiving notice, espAfrika has been in discussion with Scott's management team about the possibility of working around her shooting schedule. espAfrika has just been informed that this would not be possible.

"We are extremely disappointed that Jill Scott has cancelled her performance and apologise for any inconvenience caused. We are in the process of trying to secure another artist; however it is important to note the Cape Town International Jazz Festival features more than 40 world-class acts and is a festival, not a one-person performance. The success thereof will not be affected by Scott's cancellation," said Rashid Lombard, CEO of espAfrika.