US singer-songwriter and overall jazz queen Jill Scott has been announced as the headlining act for the upcoming Cape Town Jazz Festival. Scott was supposed to headline the festival last year, but was forced to pull out due to other commitments. This year, however, she’ll be taking the stage along with 40 other artists from across 12 countries to perform her eclectic mix of jazz, R&B, soul and hip hop.
Other festival highlights include jazz guitarist Norman Brown, saxophonist Kirk Whalum and renowned jazz trumpeter Rick Braun, who perform together as BWB. Another renowned jazz musician taking the stage is French rock violinist Jean-Luc Pont and all-round talent Steve Turre, who has worked alongside jazz legends such as Ray Charles, Stephen Scott, Woody Shaw and Blakey.
It may be called a jazz festival, but this annual Cape Town event is known for more than just jazz. Hip hop music is traditionally an important element of the festival, and this year looks to be no exception with hip hop acts Brother Ali and Khuli Chana and AKA both scheduled to perform.
Described as ‘South Africa’s finest female contemporary singer’, Thandiswa Mazwai is set to take the stage this year to perform her unique combination of Xhosa rhythms, mbaqanga, reggae, kwaito, funk and jazz. Joining Mazwai and Scott are four other talented female musicians – Sonti, Auriol Hays, Claire Phillips and Pu2ma. Brazilian songstress Céu has also been enlisted to delight festival-goers.
South African musicians are certainly making a splash this year, with jazz greats Louis Moholo, Ibrahim Khalil Shihab, Afrika Mkhize, Jonathan Rubain and Don Vino, and Ben Sharpa and Pure Solid also gearing up for the upcoming festival.
‘Jazz and popular music luminaries from every continent will be represented at this year’s event in keeping with the CTIJF’s ever-growing standing as one of the world’s major music gatherings, and Africa’s premier lifestyle event. We are also extremely proud that this year half our line-up hails from Africa,’ Festival Director Rashid Lombard said in a press release.
The international front is certainly looking good too with Switzerland Zen-funk quintet Ronin, the UK’s Brand New Heavies, US musician Robert Glasper and Australian nine-piece group Dubmarine also performing over the two-day event.
‘We are delighted with this line-up,’ Lombard said. ‘Once again we have been able to secure world-class international acts as well as the cream of our local talent. There is something for everyone from lovers of traditional jazz to younger audiences looking to hear more mainstream, popular music. Festival goers will not be disappointed.’
The Cape Town jazz festival takes place on April 5 and 6 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
A full line-up can be viewed at the official website.
