The South African National Jazz Orchestra (SANJO) will perform at the National Arts Festival (NAF), showcasing diverse jazz traditions while incorporating innovative musical elements. Conducted by renowned jazz maestro McCoy Mrubata, SANJO consists of skilled musicians and musical directors who create complex melodies, harmonies, and rhythms in their performances.
A Tribute to Jazz Heritage and Innovation
SANJO honours the history of jazz while also fostering new talent. The orchestra’s repertoire includes swing, fusion, and avant-garde jazz, offering a broad musical experience that pays homage to the genre’s history and anticipates its future. Each SANJO performance features improvisation and collective creativity, highlighting the genre’s cultural significance.
Celebrating Emerging Talent
The NAF edition of SANJO features jazz musicians from across the Eastern Cape. Many of these musicians, despite their significant talent, have not been widely recognized. This group includes graduates from Nelson Mandela University, the University of Fort Hare, and self-taught musicians, all bringing unique skills to the orchestra. This edition emphasizes the region’s musical talent and the supportive environment provided by SANJO.
About the Artists
McCoy Mrubata
Saxophonist, flutist, composer, and bandleader McCoy Mrubata, from Cape Town’s Langa Township, has extensive experience performing locally and internationally with prominent jazz musicians. As SANJO’s first Musical Director, he is responsible for developing and guiding the orchestra.
Bongani Tulwana
Bongani Tulwana is a multi-instrumentalist, proficient as a lead guitarist, flutist, and rainwater stick player. His musical background includes work with the legendary Soul Jazzmen.
Lubabalo Luzipo
Lubabalo Luzipo is a pianist and vocalist from a family of jazz musicians. Both he and Bongani Tulwana were born in Nelson Mandela Bay’s New Brighton, and have collaborated with jazz icons Zim Ngqawana and Feya Faku.
SANJO Musicians
South Africa has a rich jazz history and a wealth of talented musicians. The Mandela Bay Theatre Complex (MBTC) has established the South African National Jazz Orchestra (SANJO) in Gqeberha, with support from the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, and the Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture. SANJO aims to showcase talent from across South Africa and internationally, promoting skills exchange, social cohesion, and job creation. While focusing on South African jazz, SANJO also incorporates influences from other jazz traditions worldwide.
Experience SANJO at the National Arts Festival
The performances will be held at The Great Hall, which offers an acoustically suitable setting. Tickets are priced at ZAR 130.00, making the event accessible to a wide audience.
Event Details:
- Venue: Great Hall
- Location: The Great Hall
- Ticket Price: ZAR 130.00
- Programme Type: Curated Programme
- Genre: Jazz
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Ages: All Ages
The South African National Jazz Orchestra’s performance at the National Arts Festival offers an opportunity to experience a range of jazz styles performed by talented musicians from across the region.
For more on the National Arts Festival check out the official site
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