Jazz acts to enthral audiences at UJ this weekend

By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor

If you were planning something else to do this weekend you better thing again because UJ Arts again this year has a programme of entertainment where top jazz artists are set to enthral you after a successful performance launch last year.

And this time, the line up is appetising starting with the launch tonight (August 29, 2024, that will see top trumpeter Mandla Mlangeni and his talented band go on stage.

Mlangeni is a formidable musician on stage. His act is tight sleek and professional. I have watched a couple of his shows in recent years at a number of venues, from the Market Theatre to private functions, and the consistency of the quality of his performances has gained the artist a solid following within jazz circles.

“The University of Johannesburg (UJ) Arts & Culture, a division of the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA), is thrilled to announce the return of the much-anticipated UJ Weekend of Jazz taking place from 29-31 August 2024 at the UJ Art Centre. 

Additionally, before the weekend commences, an exclusive listening session in collaboration with Untitled Basement will take place on 18 August 2024 facilitated by Brenda Sisane.

Headlining the Weekend of Jazz is METRO FM 2024 Best Jazz Album of the Year winner, renowned trumpeter and composer Mandla Mlangeni, followed by the award-winning songwriter and jazz vocalist, Gabi Motuba, and concluded by renowned pianist and composer, and UJ Artist in Residence, Keenan Meyer,” the organisers said in a statement.

This musical celebration is set to captivate jazz audiences and cultural enthusiasts alike with an unforgettable musical experience featuring an exciting album launch from Gabi Motuba as well as the launch of Keenan Meyer’s seven track extended Project (EP). 

Furthermore, our exclusive Listening Session offers a unique opportunity for audiences to engage with the performers and explore their musical styles in an intimate setting.

Since its inception in 2018, the UJ Weekend of Jazz has established itself as a pivotal platform, dedicated to making jazz accessible to diverse audiences. By curating a dynamic array of performances, it has created an inviting space for both seasoned jazz enthusiasts and newcomers to experience the genre’s rich tapestry.

“This bi- annual celebration serves as an intergenerational and accessible platform, where musicians and audiences of all ages come together to share their passion for the genre. As it continues to grow, it remains dedicated to fostering a deeper appreciation for jazz and ensuring its legacy endures across generations.” says Lakin Morgan-Baatjies,  UJ Arts & Culture Marketing Manager.

On the evening of 29 August, audiences are in for a captivating musical treat as award-winning trumpeter, composer and bandleader Mandla Mlangeni and his Cape Town based band Tune Recreation Committee (TRC) take to the stage. Mlangeni and the TRC will re- acquaint audiences with music from their third studio album, ‘The Future Is Now’. The TRC features drummer Joshua Klein, bassist Nicholas Williams, and guest guitarist Vuma Levin. 

This special performance celebrates their musical journey, showcasing the evolution of the members’ compositional styles.

“We fused the influences of those who came before us such as Moses Molelekwa, Bra Hugh Masekela, Mam Busi Mhlongo, with elements of the jazz tradition in America and what that means to us,” says Mlangeni.

Gabi Motuba, one of South Africa’s most captivating and talented jazz musicians, known for her emotive performances and distinct musical style, will grace the stage on Friday evening alongside her ensemble. She will also be launching her much-anticipated album, ‘The Sabbath,’ that evening.

With a voice and a passion for storytelling through music, Motuba is set to deliver an unforgettable performance. “The Sabbath is a tribute to my late father and embodies the emotions of loss and healing. The songs in the project are lamentations, evoking a state of melancholy that will resonate with anyone who listens,” she shares.

On Saturday evening, Meyer, UJ Arts & Culture’s 2024 Artist in Residence, known for his captivating performances and innovative compositions, takes to the stage. Audiences can look forward to the launch of his new seven track EP, ‘Reawakening’ which was recorded in the first half of this year during his residency.

“The central theme of this work is protest: what it looks like, what it sounds like, what it feels like and where it leaves us, and its impact on us both personally and collectively through a sonic experience,” says Meyer. Audiences are also in for a double bill performance as Meyer and his ensemble will also be performing music from his debut album, ‘The Alchemy of Living’, released in June 2021.

ABOUT MANDLA MLANGENI

Mandla Mlangeni has showcased his talent on numerous local and international stages, including a recent series of performances at Dizzy’s Jazz Club in New York with prominent musicians such as Mark Whitfield, Ronnie Burrage, Lonnie Plaxico, Jay Rodriguez, and Lovell Bradford. Mlangeni has recently been profiled by CNN on their African Voices feature as a changemaker. In 2019, he was recognised as the Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year for Jazz and received an Artist in Residency Fellowship at the University of Western Cape Centre for Humanities Research.

Mlangeni leads various acclaimed projects. The Tune Recreation Committee debuted at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, and their album “Voices of Our Vision” was listed among the New York Times’ Best Albums of 2017. The Amandla Freedom Ensemble has released three albums, including the Metro FM Best Jazz 2024 award-winning album “Oratorio of A Forgotten Youth” and the SAMA-nominated “Bhekisizwe.” He also leads the Swiss-based Birdsong Ensemble and has collaborated with legends such as David Murray, Evan Parker, Feya Faku, Hugh Masekela, and Shabaka Hutchings.

Mlangeni’s compositions are deeply rooted in social consciousness, celebrating black and African identity. On stage, his vibrant energy, infectious smile, and sense of fun engage audiences from the first to the last note. His trumpet playing ranges from melancholic jazz to upbeat South African tunes and experimental pieces influenced by Balkan, Electro, and Free Jazz styles.

Featured Artists:

Trumpeter: Mandla Mlangeni

Drummer: Joshua Klein

Bassist: Nicholas Williams 

Guest Guitarist: Vuma Levin

ABOUT GABI MOTUBA

Gabi Motuba is a South African award-winning jazz vocalist, composer and music educator. She studied at a South African University known as Tshwane University of Technology where she majored in jazz studies and graduated with a bachelor’s degree. Over the years she has produced several albums, ranging from jazz to avant-garde to experimental, which include Tefiti-Goddess of creation (her debut album released in 2018), Sanctum Sanctorium (A duo album which features Swiss pianist Malcom Braff released in 2015) and The Wretched (which is a sonic experimentation collab that focuses on the literary text The Wretched of the Earth by Frantz Fanon released in 2020).  

Gabi Motuba oscillates between being a performer and being a sound artist which has given her plenty of opportunities for collaborative work around the world.

Featured Artists: 

Vocals: Gabi Motuba

Cellist: Themba Mashobane

Percussionist: Thabang Tabane

Violinist: Zos Ntuli

Violinist: Chevonne Plaatjies

Guitarist: Reza Khota

Bassist: VimbsMavimbs

Drums: Tumi Mogorosi

ABOUT KEENAN MEYER

Keenan Meyer is a renowned South African pianist and composer known for his captivating performances and innovative compositions. Born and raised in Johannesburg, Meyer began piano lessons in 2007, quickly developing his skills and winning multiple awards at The National School of the Arts. He furthered his studies at the University of Pretoria under esteemed pedagogues and received numerous accolades, including bursaries from the South African Music Rights Organisation, academic awards, and the prestigious Mandela Rhodes Scholarship in 2018.

Meyer’s versatility spans from Baroque classics to contemporary works, culminating in his acclaimed debut album, The Alchemy of Living, released on 25 June 2021. His performances, marked by technical prowess and emotional depth, have established him as one of South Africa’s leading concert pianists. In addition to performing and composing, Meyer is passionate about teaching and nurturing the next generation of musicians. His work bridges cultural divides and showcases his deep connection to his South African roots, continuously enchanting audiences with his artistry. 

Featured Artists:

Piano: Keenan Meyer 

Tenor saxophone: OfentseSebula

Flugel Horn: Sthembiso Bhengu

Trombone: Senzo Ngcobo

Double bass: ViweMkizwana

Drums: Leagan Starchild

Percussion: Thomas Dyani Akuru

Flute: Blues Mabaso

Vocal Ensemble:

Muneyi

Kwazikwenkosi Biyela

Naledi Dube

Spartz

Banele Ntsibande

Kekelingo

.Tickets are now available at: https://tinyurl.com/UJWeekendofJazz