S.A. Jazz Artists Stifled
By Dominic Khuzwayo
Like in most parts of the world jazz music in South Africa is not a stranger to the people. However jazz artists in South Africa are treated as strangers if not ghosts (not seen) as compared to other countries.
The department of arts and culture claims to be providing or provided the platform but to me if ever they are, it seems not enough. One might say maybe jazz has less of a fan base in the country but what about the huge posters that greet us every time with “JAZZ FESIVAL”. Every time I see one I smile but not for long, my smile fades as my eyes scrolls down to the line up; Ringo Madlingozi, Siphokazi, Malakia, Zola, Bongo Maffin … ja nee!
I will be lying to myself if I say I don’t like these artists ‘I DO’, but they are not jazz musicians for crying out loud!
A great example is the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival – good idea, well prepared and let’s check the line up … eish! Lira, Siphiwe Dana, Camagwini, Yvonne Chaka Chaka etc, just to name the few before I run-off breath. Are these jazz artists? HELL NO!
This is just an insult to jazz artists, it’s like hosting a party without ‘Mr or Miss Party’.
Why not include these guys to the party; Adile Yenani, Bheki Khosa, Musa Manzini, Sydney Mnisi, Mccoy Mrubata, Faya Faku, Lucas Senyantso …
If jazz artists are omitted in the line-ups they deserve on the so called jazz festivals, are we still going to see headlines like A South African jazz legend died ?????????
By: Dominic Khuzwayo
CRN Magazine (Journalist)
Cell: 078 5745 807