NSA Alumni Shine: Zoë Modiga and Dr. Samson Diamond celebrate heritage through music at the March 22 Concert
The two veterans will perform with and alongside current students of NSA at the Nelson Mandela Theatre at Joburg Theatre on March 22, 2025 at 7pm.
By CityLife Arts Writer
In a powerful demonstration of artistic legacy and educational excellence, the National School of the Arts (NSA) announces its landmark Musical Homecoming featuring internationally acclaimed alumni Zoë Modiga and Dr. Samson Diamond performing alongside today’s promising student artists.
World-Class Talent Returns to Their Roots
The 2nd Edition of the NSA Jazz & Pop Ensembles in Concert represents more than just a performance—it embodies the full-circle journey of artistic development. This year’s production transforms the prestigious Mandela Theatre into a living showcase of South Africa’s artistic education pipeline in action.
Zoë Modiga, whose soul-stirring vocals have earned her SAMA nominations and international festival appearances including Cape Town International Jazz Festival and Jazz à Vienne (France), brings her distinctive storytelling approach back to where it all began. Since graduating from NSA, Modiga has released two critically acclaimed albums and collaborated with icons including Hugh Masekela and Thandiswa Mazwai.
“The National School of the Arts didn’t just teach me music—it shaped my artistic identity,” says Modiga. “Returning to perform with today’s students completes a circle of mentorship that defines NSA’s unique approach to arts education. These young artists are already demonstrating professional-level skill that many would expect only in conservatory graduates.”
Dr. Samson Diamond is a multi-award-winning violinist with a Doctor of Philosophy in Music from the University of the Free State, where he led the resident Odeion String Quartet from 2013 to 2023. Since 2015, he has been associated with the London-based Chineke! Orchestra, serving as concertmaster for their inaugural European tour in 2019 and North American tour in 2023. In September 2024, he joined Chineke! Orchestra for performances at the Lucerne Festival and BBC Proms.
Praised for his “exquisite” musicianship and “stylish” leadership, Dr. Diamond is also associate concertmaster of the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra, where he contributes to the Artistic Planning Committee. Currently, he serves as Manager of Education and Community Engagement at the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, where he also performs as principal second violinist.
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“What distinguishes NSA’s approach to arts education is how it integrates rigorous technical training with authentic performance opportunities,” notes Diamond. “The students I’m rehearsing with aren’t just learning about music—they’re living it through professional-calibre production experiences that few secondary schools worldwide can match.”
Educational Innovation on Display
This production showcases NSA’s pedagogical approach, which balances technical mastery with professional experience. Audiences will witness:
• Chamber groups featuring students performing complex jazz arrangements of South African standards, demonstrating the school’s emphasis on cultural heritage alongside technical proficiency
• Cross-departmental collaborations between music and dance students, reflecting NSA’s innovative interdisciplinary curriculum
• Student-arranged pieces that showcase the composition and arrangement skills developed in NSA’s comprehensive music theory program
Current NSA Grade 12 music student Thabo Mokoena, who will perform a saxophone duet with Modiga, describes the experience: “Working directly with alumni who are now industry leaders gives us real-world insights you can’t get from textbooks. This isn’t just concert preparation—it’s career preparation.”
Artistic Excellence Meets Educational Purpose
Creative Director Clive Mathibe has structured the production to demonstrate the progressive skill development central to NSA’s curriculum. “The concert flows from foundational skills displayed by junior students to sophisticated performances by seniors, culminating in the alumni collaborations that show where this educational journey can lead,” explains Mathibe.
The production features carefully selected repertoire including:
• Township jazz standards celebrating South Africa’s musical heritage
• Contemporary compositions by current NSA faculty
• Original pieces composed by senior students, showcasing NSA’s emphasis on creative development
• Classical-jazz fusion arrangements demonstrating the school’s genre-crossing educational approach
As a School of Specialisation in Performing and Creative Arts within the Gauteng Department of Education framework, NSA represents South Africa’s commitment to developing specialized talent that contributes to both cultural enrichment and economic growth.
“This concert embodies our educational philosophy that technical excellence must be paired with authentic performance opportunities,” explains Artistic Director of the school, Brenda Sakellarides. “Our 99% pass rate and consistent academic achievements demonstrate that immersive arts education enhances rather than detracts from academic performance—a model that challenges conventional educational approaches.”
Recent studies from the GDE show that Schools of Specialisation consistently outperform traditional schools in developing critical thinking skills, creative problem-solving, and student engagement metrics—all increasingly valued in South Africa’s emerging knowledge economy.
Event Details
📍 Venue: Mandela Theatre, Joburg Theatre
📅 Date: Saturday, 22 March
🕖 Time: 7:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: R150 (Adults) | R100 (Students)
🎫 Purchase: Available via Web tickets and Joburg Theatre box office
📱Social Media: Follow the production journey at #NSAMusicalHomecoming
Jazz Musician Sibusiso Mashiloane is the new president of South African Jazz Education (SAJE). Will send you pics