Arts writer
BOOKING is now open for the next instalment of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival(CTIJF). Organiser espAfrika has announced an exciting all-star line-up of artists for this 17th showcase, which will deliver a varied musical experience in 2016. Popularly known as Africa’s Grandest Gathering, the next festival will take place on April 1 and 2 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) and is set to please a bumper 37 000 music-loving festinos.
International artists include three-time solo bassist award-winner Victor Wooten (USA); singer-songwriter, rapper and bassist Meshell Ndegeocello (USA); Grammy-nominated Afro-blues duo Amadou & Mariam (Mali); three-time Grammy-nominated soul songstress Angie Stone (USA); instrumental Canadian trio BADBADNOTGOOD (Canada); Supergroup Jazz Attack featuring Rick Braun, Peter White and Euge Groove (USA); tenor saxo-phonists Mark Turner (USA); RnB vocalist Lizz Wright (USA); and Grammy-nominated jack swing trio SWV; Rahul Sharma and George Brooks (India/USA), as well as jazz pianist roberto SOLO fonseca (Cuba).
Shining a light on home-grown talent, the first local artists announced for CTIJF 2016 include award-winning jazz pianist Afrika Mkhize featuring Eddie Parker (SA/UK); three-time SAMA winners Mafikizolo featuring Tsepo Tshola; rising songbird Tribute ‘Birdie’ Mboweni; hip hop artist Khuli Chana performing with SAMA-nominated pop sensation Muzart; local bassist Benjamin Jeptha performing with his quintet; top-selling artist Nathi, who’ll appear with Vusi Nova; multi-talented artist Thandi Ntuli, who’s worked with the likes of Judith Sephuma, The Cape Philharmonic Orchestra and Jimmy Dludlu; fan-favourites TopDog who’ve performed with the likes of Jonathan Butler and Peaches & Herb; and introducing the new music experience of Tumi Mogarosi and Project ELO.
The CTIJF 2016’s second artist announcement will be released on November 24, but bookings are already open.
l Tickets: R895 for a weekend pass and R590 for a day pass. Limited Rosies Stage tickets: R30 per show from December 3. Book: www.com puticket.com For more information: www.capetownjazzfest.com or see www.facebook.com/Espafrika, or twitter.com/espafrika