Results for "Cape Town"

Abdullah Ibrahim: 1934–2026

by Kofi Adjepong-Boateng
June 18, 2026

Abdullah Ibrahim , the South African pianist, composer and bandleader, died in Bavaria, Germany, on 15 June 2026. He was born Adolph Johannes Brand in Cape Town on 9 October 1934. Frail but undimmed, Ibrahim last performed on 27 March at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, in the city that made him.

James McClure

South African trumpet player and composer James McClure presents his deeply personal Debut Album on Molk Records (27 February 2026). He is a powerful emerging voice within Amsterdam’s experimental music community, known for his mesmerising sound, patience and sensibility. This is a bold and introspective work that invites deep listening. It is rooted in emotion, free improvisation and progressive thought with traces of heritage, while the album is held together by a recurring lullaby written in response to violence and global unrest. It is a call for change, reflection and healing that feels ever more relevant and increasingly urgent. 

Afrikan Time Music and Black Theology, in Conversation

by Ngwako Malakalaka
October 8, 2024

To mark South Africa's Heritage Month and Steve Biko's commemoration, Herbie Tsoaeli, the South African award-winning jazz bassist and the “Centre for Black Thought and African Studies," presented a conversation and a live jazz performance on “Black Theology and Afrikan Time" music. The discussion was about black liberation theologies in their quest to make ...

Celebrating Thembi Dunjana's 'God Bless Ikapa, God Bless Mzantsi'

by Ngwako Malakalaka
July 2, 2024

We celebrated one of South Africa's most extraordinary piano talents this week with Thembi Dunjana. Dunjana has established herself as a star in Cape Town's rich jazz scene. Drawing upon varied inspirations that range from the American influences of John Coltrane Horace Silver, and McCoy Tyner to South African legends like Moses Taiwa Molelekwa and Bheki ...

Gerald Mac McKenzie

2022: The Year in Jazz

by Ken Franckling
December 29, 2022

Current events impacted the jazz world in significant ways throughout 2022. In its third year, the coronavirus pandemic continued to lurk in some settings, while others recovered in robust fashion. Russia's war on Ukraine was felt by musicians and triggered an outpouring of support for its victims. Initiatives to ensure greater equity in jazz advanced. The ...

Elinor Speirs

Born: September 7

There is something amazing that happens when cultures converge. There is surprise and enchantment, chaos and dispute, but in the end, there is always something new. That is where violinist Elinor Speirs likes to set up residence - at the cusp of the conversation. The progeny of a Viking and a celt, raised at the southern tip of Africa with Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, it was almost inevitable that Elinor would flee the constraints of the orchestra and join the fire and dance of improvised music. Versatility and flair for style have ensured her place in musical genres across the board. Classically trained at the Royal Academy of Music in London, and jazz and free music trained at New York University and New England Conservatory, Elinor is an experienced orchestral and chamber music performer with a burgeoning career in jazz, world music fusion, free music, new music and interdisciplinary arts

2021: The Year in Jazz

by Ken Franckling
December 31, 2021

The jazz world continued grappling and adjusting in year two of the COVID-19 pandemic. International Jazz Day again went virtual for the most part. Singer Tony Bennett put the final stamp on his touring--and likely recording--career after his Alzheimer's disclosure. Trumpeter Irvin Mayfield was headed to federal prison. The National Endowment for the Arts welcomed four ...

Ike Moriz

Born: May 14, 1972

Since 2002, internationally acclaimed South African pop artist, singer, producer, author and actor Ike Moriz has released 20 albums, spanning original melodic indie rock and pop through Latin, easy listening, lounge, blues and jazzy swing — all available on major digital platforms. His music has enjoyed extensive global airplay, reaching No. 1 chart positions in the UK, Holland, South Africa and Germany.

Alongside his music career, Ike has appeared in major international feature films including Alfie, Shanghai Knights and Love Actually, as well as South African television programs such as Showbiz Report, Top Billing and Backstage. His UK television credits include EastEnders, Family Affairs, The Bill and Strike Back – Project Dawn. Rock legend David Bowie repeatedly selected Ike’s early work as “Top Song of the Month” on his official website.

Can Jazz Survive COVID-19? China Has Tested the Waters

by Jiaowei Hu
March 22, 2020

In the coming weeks, Frank Sinatra's line “I wanna wake up in a city that doesn't sleep" from “New York, New York" may not strike a chord. On March 17, the epicenter of jazz ground to a halt. By the decree of governmental enforcement, all jazz venues in New York City announced closures in ...