The South African National Jazz Orchestra, a beacon of musical excellence, showcases the rich tapestry of jazz traditions while pushing the boundaries of innovation.
Conducted by the legendary jazz maestro, McCoy Mrubata, comprising virtuosic musicians and musical directors, it weaves intricate melodies, harmonies, and rhythms resulting in mesmerising performances. With roots tracing back to the genre's inception, the orchestra honours jazz luminaries while nurturing emerging talents. Its dynamic repertoire spans swing, fusion, and avant-garde, captivating audiences.
Join the journey and see South African National Jazz Orchestra (SANJO) flourish as it blows your mind with jazzy vibes! Each performance is a sonic journey, pulsating with improvisation and collective creativity, celebrating the genre's vitality and cultural significance.
The NAF edition of SANJO includes jazz musicians invited from across the Eastern Cape most of whom despite their enormous talent have had to thrive in obscurity. They are graduates from Nelson Mandela University, University of Fort Hare and self-taught virtuosos.
Production Credits
Musical Director: McCoy Mrubata
1st Deputy Musical Director: Bongani Tulwana
2nd Deputy Musical Director: Lubabalo Luzipo
Producer: Zikhona Monaheng
Production Assistant: Unathi Ngqolombe
Musicians 2024 Edition
About the Artists
McCoy Mrubata
Saxophonist, flutist, composer and band leader. Born in Cape Town’s Langa Township, McCoy needs no introduction as he spent his life sharing stages with notable luminaries in Jazz both local and internationally. McCoy is the first Musical Director for SANJO, entrusted with the responsibility of moulding and growing this novel initiative.
Bongani Tulwana
Bongani Tulwana is a multi-instrumentalist, excellent as a lead guitarist, flutist and rainwater stick. His foundation lies with the legendary Soul Jazzmen.
Lubabalo Luzipo
Lubabalo Luzipo is a nimble-fingered pianist and vocalist who hails from the family of jazz music. Both Bongani and Lubabalo were born in the Nelson Mandela Bay’s New Brighton, a home of Zim Ngqawana and Feya Faku whom they have worked with in the past.
SANJO Musicians
South Africa is rich with jazz history and talent. Over the years it has produced world renowned jazz impresarios who have not been offered the respect and dignity they deserve. The Mandela Bay Theatre Complex (MBTC) mounts the establishment of the South African National Jazz Orchestra (SANJO) which will be based in Gqeberha. Through support from the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, the national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and the Eastern Cape Department of Sport Recreation Arts and Culture, SANJO will travel, showcasing the immense talent across the country and the world.
SANJO shall provide a platform to various jazz musicians from across the land and abroad, ensuring that there is vibrancy, skills exchange, social cohesion and job creation. SANJO will primarily search for and exude the texture of the sound of South African jazz, but there will be an exploration of and reference to jazz traditions from across the continent and the world.
- Venue: Great Hall
- Location: The Great Hall
- Ticket price: ZAR 130.00
- Programme type: Curated Programme
- Genre: Jazz
- Duration: 60 min
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Ages:
ALL AGES
There are no performances for this show.
