Siyavuya Mzantsi
IT’S all systems go as thousands of music enthusiasts are flocking to the city for the sold-out Cape Town International Jazz Festival at the weekend.
With only a day to go before the 16th edition of the annual music event, organisers say preparations are at an advanced stage and many of the artists, including those from overseas, have landed in the city.
About 35 000 jazz lovers are expected to be part of this year’s event, which takes place tomorrow and Saturday at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
Director and co-founder of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival Billy Domingo said he was pleased with how his team had prepared for the event.
“We are ready. Preparations began when last year’s event ended. The artists are already in Cape Town and are expecting huge improvements as we will be showcasing more South African artists,” Domingo said yesterday.
He said Cape Town was already feeling the “jazz festival vibe”, but warned people not to fall for scams and purchase tickets via illegal channels.
“Over the past 15 years I have been involved in this business, we have been consistently battling this. Every year we are watching out for people who buy tickets via illegal channels. The sad thing is that it’s the poor man out there who gets affected by this,” Domingo said. He said spectators can expect an “SA-style party” tomorrow as the likes of Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Zoe Modiga and Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse will perform. Of added significance is the fact that the Mahotella Queens are celebrating their 50th anniversary.
Other Friday performances will include Naima Mclean, Prophets of da City, Andrea Motis & Joan Chamorro Group from Spain, Mr Cheeks and Jason Smith from the US, and Madala Kunene.
The UK’s Courtney Pine and Mabuse entertained crowds during a free concert at Greenmarket Square last night. They were joined by the winner of the local Open Mic Jazz Vocal competition, Modiga, and Cape pop group Beatenberg as well as the All Star Band.
Ringo Madlingozi, Hugh Masekela, Oliver Mtukudzi and Thundercat, along with Victor Masondo & Friends featuring Thembi Mtshali, Sons of Kemet from the UK and many more will perform on Saturday night.