A special tribute to late Jazz idol, Hugh Masekela, by the Horn Summit and performances by two international jazz music icons, Cassandra Wilson and David Sanborn (both from the US), will unlock opening night of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz at the Sandton Convention Centre (27 September) in a not-to-be-missed one-night-only spectacular – a rare experience for local and visiting jazz lovers.
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The Horn Summit is an assembly of some of the Jazz industry’s respected musicians including Suthukazi Arosi and Phu2ma Tiso, both on lead vocals, Percy Mbonani on Saxophone, Sydney Mavundla and Lwanda Gogana, both on Flugehorn as well as Leeroy Sauls on drums and vocals, and Cameron Ward on lead guitar. Hugh Masekela’s nephew, Selema Makgthi-Masekela, will also be part of the tribute to his uncle with his versatile guitar skill and will deliver spoken word. The Horn Summit will honour braHugh’s life with a selection of songs from his life-long catalogue.
Also gracing the stage is composer and jazz vocalist, Cassandra Wilson. Known and loved for incorporating country, blues and folk music into her work, Wilson promises a never-to-be-forgotten jazz journey ride for the joyful audience.
David Sanborn is a musical giant who commands respect across genres. In a career that spans over three-and-half decade, Sanborn has released over 24 albums which boast eight gold albums and one platinum album with six Grammy Awards in the bag. Sanborn has prepared a couple of surprises for the audience but has promised to perform ‘Maputo’ and a Stevie Wonder song, ‘Another Star.’
“Every year we strive to deliver an experience that jazz fans rarely come across in a good year,” says Mantwa Chinoamadi, producer of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz. “This year, being our 21st edition of the festival, is no different and we are delighted that we will host a trio of bands that lovers of jazz will have the privilege of seeing only on opening night and most probably not for a long time again – while celebrating the life and times of our very own, braHugh Masekela. This is one not to be missed.”
Image Courtesy: blumenthalarts.org
