Other headline acts at the festival (25-26 March) is the 1970s band Earth, Wind and Fire (EWF) and US saxophonist Dave Koz. Rooted in soul, funk, gospel, blues and jazz, EWF emerged as the other wing of pop music of the 1970s, a wing based on Afro-American musical sensibilities.
As in previous years, there will be an equal split between African artists and those from abroad. To lead Africas contingency is West African griot Youssou Ndour and reigning queen of Afro-soul, Simphiwe Dana. In musical career that goes back to 1975 when he became a professional musician, Ndour has grown to be a musical ambassador of the African continent. With his voice he champions the cause of the entire continent.
Part of the African squad this year is South African-based Mozambican saxophonist and flautist Ivan Mazuze as well as up-and-coming Angolan vocalist Sandra Cordera.
Sure to bring down the house is the old South African band, The Flames. Steeped in Atlantic soul and Motown sound, before disbanding in 1970 The Flames was one of the countrys top pop groups.
To provide contemporary sounds will be lieutenants of funk, corporals of beat and renegades of rhyme, Gang of Instrumentals, South African group that fuses electro, disco, funk, pop and African rhythms; Gazelle, and Monique Bingham whose name is synonymous with the live band Abstract Truth.
As part of the Cape Town International Jazz Festivals commitment to the sustainable development of the Music Arts industry, the festival proudly presents a series of workshops at various venues over an eight-day period. This social investment component explores various elements of the jazz world. The Community Concert (free to all) will take place prior to the festival on the Wednesday at Green Market Square and is a showcase of some of the international and local acts scheduled to perform at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. – www.capetownjazzfest.com
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