In 2022, iPhupho L'ka Biko won the Standard Bank Gold Ovation Award at the National Arts Festival. This is their first time joining the Joy of Jazz lineup.
Standard Bank Joy of Jazz (SBJOJ) announces this year's 25th lineupth Edition.
The band iPhupho L'Ka Biko is delighted to finally be recognized by the long-running music festival.
“This is the perfect platform. We have an audience that truly understands jazz. I think you can say this is the first 'purist' jazz festival we will perform at,” said Nhlanhla, leader of iPhupho L'ka Biko. Ngqaqu said. citizen After the announcement.
This year's SBJOJ will feature over 50 musicians from over 10 countries and will be held at the Sandton Convention Center in Johannesburg on 27 and 28 September 2024.
“We are blessed to be able to consistently showcase the best in jazz and lifestyle from South Africa and the world,” said festival producer Mantwa Chinoamadi.
In 2022, iPhupho L'ka Biko won the Standard Bank Gold Ovation Award at the National Arts Festival, but it was baffling when they were not included in the list of performers at last year's SBJOJ.
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persuade the audience
“In the past, we have also been recognized by other festivals, such as the Tembisa Jazz Festival, which draws large audiences. But our people don't listen to what is played on the radio every day. They come to those festivals with expectations, and they're not used to listening to jazz, so…you have to convince the audience somehow,'' Ngqaqu said.
This year's lineup includes the likes of Mi Casa, Vusi Nova and Mafikizolo, a move similar to when the Cape Town International Jazz Festival added the likes of McG to its lineup.
“People in our country don't consume much jazz, so festivals like Joy of Jazz and the Cape Town Jazz Festival feel the need to use pop artists to attract audiences,” Ngqaqu said. said.
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A diverse lineup
As a music fan, the multi-instrumentalist is happy with the lineup.
“The Joy of Jazz has proven why they are called world class. The artists are well researched and have a good balance for purists and those who listen to what's trending,” Ngqaqu said. Ta.
Artists will perform on five stages over two days. The festival features jazz music with accents from Africa, Europe, East Asia, and the Americas.
Nkaku said he was looking forward to meeting Portuguese-born musician Jessica Pina and Malian singer Fatoumata Diawara.
“I’m excited about Bongeziwe.” [Mabandla] And Ihashi Elimkhlov,” Ngqaqu shared. He said it made a lot of sense to include veteran and well-known Maskandi artists in the line-up because of the musical nature of the genre.
“There's an opening guitar riff that you often hear in Maskandi songs. That's improvisation, and jazz is about improvisation.”
“Even if you are not South African, when you see Ihasi Elimlov on stage, you will understand our culture and music.”
Also read: iPhupho L'ka Biko: Unchaining alcohol to society through Amanzi sessions
social change agent
Ngqaqu was speaking citizen From Vietnam. He is in the Asian country as part of The Atlantic Fellows through South African NPO Tekano.
Our fellows have safely arrived in Vietnam 🇻🇳 and are highlighting their expectations from this learning experience. #TekanoFellowsinVietnam #Solidarity across borders #Atlantic Fellows pic.twitter.com/s89QIUXY03
— Atlantic Fellows of Health Equity SA (@TekanoSA) May 14, 2024
Ngqaqu is part of the Tekano Leadership Development Fellowship Program, which is grounded in the belief that inclusive, just, economically productive, and healthy societies emerge from actions that address the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities.
“We are basically agents of social change. We were chosen to come here… and we are learning about the history of this country.”
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