A new spectacular stage for jazz opens in Jozi this spring as Joburgers head to the Sandton City Rooftop for a new reimagined way to groove to the music.
Curated by the organizers of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, the Jazz Drive-In dares to keep the jazz grooving while observing restrictions occasioned by the covid-19 pandemic.
The City Drive in concert produced by Tmusicman will take place at Sandton City Rooftop as They DRIVE IN JAZZ from Friday the 24th through Sunday the 26th of September 2021.
The festival retains its best traditions and features while reimagining how they are stated in a new reality. Each different night of the festival has been curated to reflect the themes and musical flavour of the Joy of Jazz’s customary stages.
To open proceedings the festival will kick-off the jazz jamboree with a masterful offering by Ziza Muftic Ensemble. The Croatia born and South Africa rooted vocalist will perform reimagined versions of treats from the South African songbook and her own incredible compositions.
In what is a fitting not to be missed tribute, UHADI-remembering Sibongile Khumalo, will see award winning vocalist, Gloria Bosman team up with some of the best instrumentalists to pay tribute to the late singer and cultural campaigner. The band includes McCoy Mrubata on saxophone, trumpeter Feya Faku, pianist Paul Hanmer, Herbie Tsoaeli on bass and drummer Justin Badenhorst.
On Saturday, the festival will feature GENESIS OF A DIFFERENT WORLD led by saxophonist and composer, Steve Dyer alongside his son and award winning pianist Bokani Dyer with tenorman, Sisonke Xonti, trumpeter Stembiso Bhengu and bassist Romy Brauteseth with Lungile Kunene and Leagan Breda sharing drum duty.
In a celebration of strings, Themba Mokoena’s GUITAR SUMMIT with Billy Monama, Mageshen Naidoo, Cameron Ward, Michael Bester and Siphokazi on vocals.
Sandton rooftop Drive-in is where the proceeding will come to a crescendo on the 26th with VUMA LEVIN – Standard Bank Young Artist 2021 presenting his musical vision. The THROWING OF THE BONES with an all-star band of pianists Nduduzo Makhathini, Thandi Ntuli and Mark Fransman.
“We have dared to curate the best of class in South African jazz and improvise a way to celebrate jazz music during this difficult time. This is in keeping with the spirit of jazz and the values of our new festival and our company as organizers to find a solution to a global challenge created by the pandemic. We look to build on the legacy initiated by our founder, Peter Tladi. We believe our people will join this celebration of creative imagination and resilience” says Mantwa Chinuamdi- Mutshinya, CEO at Tmusicman.