Staff Writer
THIS year’s line-up for the Cape Town International Jazz Festival has been announced and promises to offer an eclectic mix of artists from all over the world.
The festival includes Spanish group Andrea Motis, the Joan Chamorro Group and the Mike del Ferro Trio featuring Tony Latakos, from the Netherlands, and American jazz artist Al Jarreau.
Cape Town hip-hop groups Jitsvinger and Arsenic will collaborate to bring Jitsenic to the stage and the “Princess of Africa”, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, will also strut her stuff.
Festival director Billy Domingo said the festival, over the last weekend of March at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, would have a little something for everyone.
“The Cape Town International Jazz Festival has come a long way in 16 years. Moving with the times, we have evolved from a pure jazz event to being a premier lifestyle festival.”
Minister of Arts and Culture Nkosinathi Mthethwa hailed Cape Town for hosting “Africa’s grandest gathering”.
“The festival has grown by leaps and bounds to become an important flag-bearer for the role and contribution of the performing arts, especially jazz music, in tourism, nation-building and, above all, economic development.”
Festivalgoers can also look forward to listening to Mike Perry’s Tribute to Winston Makunku, Thundercat, Healthfield High School, The City, Pacific Express, Mr Cheeks and Jason Smith, Donald, Prophets of Da City, Gavin Minter Septet, Victor Masondo and Friends, Jason Miles, Naima McLean, TBC, Ringo Madlingozi, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Irvin Mayfield with the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, and Hugh Masekela and Oliver Mtukudzi.
l Tickets cost R530 for a day pass and R860 for a weekend pass, and are available at Computicket and Shoprite Checkers stores.