Imbokodo Jazz Festival to empower women and youth during #WomensMonth
The Imbokodo Jazz Festival hosted by the community based non-profit organisation, iTheku Regional Jazz Association (iTReJA), an affiliate of the South African Jazz Appreciators Association (SAJAA), will take place on Saturday, 12 August 2017 at N Shed in the Port of Durban, catering to both jazz and contemporary jazz lovers.
“Women’s Month provides the perfect timing for this festival that aims to celebrate outstanding females in the local jazz scene. The intention is to develop it over time into Durban’s unique women-only jazz showcase, from organising to production to artists, “said Mncedi Zulu, SAJAA Chairman.
Artists for the festival includes singer Xolisa Dlamini, award-winning bassist/vocalist Chantal Willie-Petersen who will perform with the Feya Faku Quartet, vocalist Lindiwe Maxolo, and Durban-born jazz singer, songwriter and voice over artist Spha Mdlalose.
Platform for emerging artists
Also performing at the festival are emerging, young artists who will hopefully dispel the notion that jazz is reserved for mature audiences only. The UKZN jazz band features vocalist Ayanda Thango, bassist Dalisu Ndlazi, drummer Riley Giandhari, guitarist Nick Pitman and music director and pianist Sibusiso “Mash” Mashiloane, a well as a band of students, UCeeJazz Ensemble, an all-female collective of three young, talented musos from Umlazi ComTech who are creating waves locally will also be performing.
Durban-born vocalist Njabulo Nzuza will return to his hometown from Cape Town to enthral audiences from the Imbokodo stage. His style draws on musical inspiration from Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett and Michael Bublé.
Committed to women empowerment and transformation
The portside venue N-Shed is provided by Transnet National Ports Authority as part of its commitment to transformation and women’s empowerment, while the eThekwini Municipality via the mayor’s office has also endorsed the event as a platform for creative expression and the empowerment of women and youth.
In addition to live jazz, the Imbokodo Jazz Festival will have food vendors selling various cuisine, a beer and whisky marquee and a chill area for networking and hanging out with fellow jazzophiles. CDs of recording artists on the line-up will be sold on site.
Important info: To enjoy this one-stage, eight-act jazz event, tickets are R315 each and can only be booked online at www.imbokodojazzfestival.co.za. No tickets will be sold at the door. No credit card facilities will be available, so cash should be carried. The line-up starts at 1pm and runs until 1am. N Shed is the cruise terminal facility in the Port of Durban, located in Quayside Road, Port Entrance 3, left off Margaret Mncadi Avenue (Victoria Embankment), GPS Co-ordinates: Latitude: -29.870289, Longitude: 31.033448.
Tsogo Sun is the preferred partner for accommodation bookings. Out of town guests may contact Zukiswa Lisa on 031 366 7035 or moc.nusogost@asil.awsikuz. Booking codes are as follows: Elangeni Maharani – 1263210 ; Garden Court Marine Parade – 1263211; Suncoast Sunsquare – 1263212.
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