It is that time of the year again where we get ready for an ineffable musical journey through one of the richest genres of music in South Africa. The International Jazz Extravaganza will be happening at the Durban ICC, 17 June 2017. All you jazz aficionados will be whisked away by the majestic sounds of jazz geniuses such as Monty Alexander, Kurt Elling, Thandi Ntuli and Nduduzo Makhathini. To get you ready for the extravaganza, the IJE will be hosting three Sunday Serenades in May, as a prelude to the magic that will be served in June.

The first session of the three Sunday Serenades will be a celebration of women in Jazz; you can expect a stellar performance by none other than South Africa’s gem, Gloria Bosman, and the superb songstress, songwriter, and lyricist Omagugu Makhathini. These regal ladies of jazz will be performing on Mother’s Day, 14th May, at the Durban’s BAT Centre.

“People of Durban, we heard the call and answered. By popular demand, we are proud to bring Gloria Bosman to the city of Durban,” says Sindile Xulu, CEO and President of the IJE. “She will be accompanied by the effervescent Omagugu Makhathini, who has firm roots in KwaZulu-Natal.”

Acknowledging the need to put a spotlight of South Africa’s female jazz artists, Xulu adds “We are particularly excited about this edition because it celebrates women in jazz and highlights the need to create equitable and meaningful opportunities for women in the arts in general, and jazz in particular.”

Gloria Bosman, who certainly does not need much of an introduction, has been in the industry long enough to earn the title of being one of South Africa’s jazz veterans. She is a multi award-winning vocalist, producer and vocal coach who has made such an important contribution to South African jazz. Having been inspired by jazz legends such as Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Hugh Masekela and Oliver Mtukudzi, Gloria has 6 albums under her name.  

Omagugu Makhathini brings a new sound with her unique voice and is exactly what Africa has been waiting for. She is a singer, songwriter, lyricist, vocal coach and choir conductor whose music will take you on a spiritual journey. Her sound is distinctive and she truly is a gift from the heavens. Her debut album, Uthingo LweNkosazana, features beautiful intertwining textures of rhythm, space, melody and harmony that explode into a rainbow of musical colours rippling from within.

Gloria and Omagugu’s performance at the Sunday Serenades session will be a true celebration of female jazz prowess in its finest form. If you consider yourself a true devotee of jazz and soul with a sophisticated ear, you cannot miss out on the IJE’s Sunday Serenades.

Details for the first Sunday Serenades:

 

Venue:                 BAT Centre, Durban

Date:                     Sunday, 14 May 2017

Time:                    14h00 – 20h00

Cost:                      R150* at the door

 

*The IJE will donate all proceeds from the event to the BAT Centre, in support and recognition of the sterling work they do as an NGO. Each ticket bought is thus your contribution to the sustainability of this very important local and national institution.

 

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