Represent Review: Joy of Jazz 08
This years line up was so juicy, we just had to get amongst one of Joburg’s (and soon to be the world’s…) premier jazz music festivals, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz. Reuben ‘The Matrix’ Malema does the honours below, Nkateko Siweya tells our photostory here…
31 August 2008.
The Foothills of Moretele Park – Mamelodi – Pretoria (City of Tshwane), the setting of this year’s SA Music Heroes Concert. For us (true jazz followers) it was an assortment of choice on a silver platter.
As the impressive line-up of stars was flaunted, I found myself in a very bitter-sweet predicament. Looking up at the aging league of our household favourites, I gazed upwards (in peasant style) as the old guard performed, with my glazed cheeks and my broad smile; but I was saddened, as I wondered to myself what the future of South African jazz holds. Our legends are aging very quickly, from Bro Hugh Masekela to Mama Letta Mbuli, the torch is surely changing hands… but to whom? And yet, I cling on…
The Event
Mr. Wilson Mankuku Nkosi mashed us up with his mature trumpet sounds, following suite was Mrs. Nothembeni Mkwebana who immediately sent us on a systematic repertoire of jump action moves as we unanimously responded to her rock ‘n roll aligned musical chords. Her guitar skills drove me insane!
Jimmy Dludlu with his maestro guitarist skills quelled us under his charming spell as we hummed the tunes to his famous tunes. I am such a down-beat fan!
At 18:00, my favourite jazz artist, Mr. Jonas Gwangwa ascended the platform. His well known originals: Batsomi and Kgomo, had the multitudes passionately singing along: “Nna di sa fele Nka di busa, di sa fele Nka di busetsa morago…” I love this song!!!
August being the end of Women’s month, it was fitting that Mzansi’s famous jazz couple (who were coincidentally celebrating their 40th Anniversary) be crowned the flagship performers of the evening. Ladies and Gentlemen: Mr. Caiphus Semenya and Ms Letta Mbuli. They are such an inspiration to me and many of their avid fans.
The evening was sealed off with a colourful display of majestic fireworks. What a smoky way to enter a new season!
I so wished the blossom season can be ushered in by a renewed affirmation to the nurturing, growth and sustainability of the genre by young and talented Jazz artists with a fresh new sound and long term commitment. We need to revive and preserve our country’s jazz heritage. Before it is too late.
Reuben-The Matrix- Malema
