SA: CT Jazz Festival announces more artists

The line-up features artists whose music embraces various genres such as swing-bop, neo-soul, hip hop, Afro-soul and Zulu blues. The latest confirmed acts are Incognito (UK), Simphiwe Dana (South Africa), Miguel Atwood-Ferguson (US), Sibusiso ‘Mash’ Mashiloane (SA), Manny Walters (SA), The Surge (SA/Russia/Slovakia/Morocco/US/ Kyrgyzstan), N8N (Belgium) and The Liberation Project (SA).

Some of the acts that were announced previously are Alistair Izobell (SA), Amanda Black (SA), Billy Monama: Grazroots Project (SA), Blinky Bill & Sibot's Afrofunk Spaceship (Kenya/SA), Claire Philips (South Africa), Corinne Bailey Rae (UK), Mulatu Astatke (Ethiopia) and Jordan Rakei (New Zealand).

“Great thought has been given to the nuances of the greater jazz form in this year’s line-up,” CTIJF director Billy Domingo said. “This is reflected in the variety of the acts that will entertain this year’s festinos.

“I am delighted that our steadfast festivalgoers, as well as those attending for the first time, have such a wealth of talent from which to create their personal musical experiences and we look forward to sharing these moments with our audience.”

With the addition of UK band Incognito, fans should expect a thrilling performance from the British outfit, which is known for exhibiting unforgettable live shows. Known for her eye-catching imagery, Simphiwe Dana will no doubt project a brilliant performance through her unique signature sound that confirms her status as a phenomenal artist. Her insightful mixture of Afro-soul and traditional music is wholly distinctive.

Credited for contributing more than 500 recordings and scores with notable musicians such as Ray Charles, Flying Lotus, Dr Dre, Mary J Blige, Bilal, Seu Jorge and Thundercat, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson will bridge genres and generations of cultural elements into cohesive, magical presentations. The violinist has toured and recorded with ensembles ranging from electronic to avant-garde, jazz, classical, hip hop and pop.

Pianist Sibusiso ‘Mash’ Mashiloane will explore the repertoires of Bheki Mseleku, Andile Yenana and Moses Molelekwa. Along with his Zulu-styled blues and neo-soul, swing-bop and hip hop inflections, he is expected to reinforce the tones of Africa at the CTIJF.

With music rooted in the legacy of rhythm ’n blues by modern-day soul rock nuances, guitarist Manny Walters is expected to deliver a focused set of works that draw on the seminal sounds of Richie Havens, Nina Simone, Tracy Chapman and Curtis Mayfield.

A lot is expected from The Liberation Project that will feature musicians who’ve joined forces to celebrate their liberation struggles from different corners of the world. Specially commissioned by the CTIJF, the set is dedicated to Ray Phiri and comprises Sipho Hotstix Mabuse (vocals, saxophone, piano and flute), Tony Cedras (accordion and trumpet), Neill Solomon (vocals, piano and acoustic guitar), Dan Chiorboli (percussion), Tebogo Sedumedi (vocals and bass), Bienvenue N’Seka (vocals and guitar), Keeran Eshwarlall (Sufi vocals, harmonium, santoor and harmonica) and special guest Roger Lucey (vocals and acoustic guitar).

Tickets to the festival are available here.