Kesivan Naidoo and the Lights will premiere their new work celebrating 30 years of democracy for the first time in South Africa and Tribe reunite for the first time in 25 years!
Prince Albert, Karoo, 27 February 2025 – The wait is over. Journey to Jazz 2025 (J2J) today revealed the world-class artists who complete the line-up for this year’s festival. Festivalgoers are advised to secure tickets now because accommodation in Prince Albert is being snapped up faster than a bass solo at a late-night jam session.
A Celebration of Karoo Spirit, Jazz Mastery & 30 Years of Democracy
Building on the festival’s reputation for embodying the true Karoo spirit of music, hospitality, and warm welcome, the 2025 Journey to Jazz continues to attract a stellar line-up of jazz virtuosos. A key highlight will be Kesivan and the Lights who will present a groundbreaking commissioned work marking South Africa’s 30 years of democracy.
This special performance will be the first time this work is performed in South Africa, offering audiences an evocative, deeply immersive musical conversation reflecting on the highs and lows of this transformative era. The piece will pay tribute to some of the greatest South African jazz composers from the past three decades (and earlier), inviting listeners to experience the evolution of the country’s jazz landscape. See below for band line-up!
Naidoo will also reunite with some of his bandmates from Tribe – for the first time in 25 years – and welcome a new member. It is expected to be a delicious straight-ahead memorable set exploring the progression of their individual and joint styles, techniques and sound. J2J’s resident artistic director, Kyle Shepherd will also be bringing the notes to the festival with his Kyle Sheperd Trio. See below for all the latest artist news:
J2J 2025 Featured Artists:
· Kesivan and the Lights – Led by the legendary drummer Kesivan Naidoo, this band delivers high-energy, emotive jazz that pushes boundaries while paying homage to South African jazz greats. Naidoo is joined by Darren English – trumpet (SA), Charley Rose – sax (France), Fabio Gouvêa – guitar (Brazil), Bokani Dyer – piano (South Africa), and Joan Codina – bass (Spain)
· Kyle Shepherd Trio – One of South Africa’s leading jazz pianists, Kyle Shepherd blends Cape jazz traditions with innovative global influences. This performance heroes the trio’s latest release – A Dance More Sweetly Played – which has gained global acclaim.
· Tribe: The Reunion – A genre-bending jazz collective known for their fusion of African rhythms and contemporary jazz melodies. Kesivan Naidoo, Buddy Wells, Marks Fransman and bassist Steve de Souza steps in for Charles Lazar.
· The Heinrich Frans Duo (with Allou April) – A vocal and guitar collaboration between two of South Africa’s leading smooth, soulful jazz, funk and groove artists
· Nomadic Orchestra – A brass ensemble that fuses jazz with hip hop, afrobeat, ghoema, samba, ska, klezmer and various other sounds for a cohesive, high-energy performance
· El Corazon – Journalist, arts and culture writer, researcher, DJ and sound archivist Atiyyah Khan, will hit the decks to deliver a set that blends global jazz influences, deep vinyl cuts, and rhythmic storytelling, for an unforgettable sonic journey
· Karoo Jazz Project (KJP) – A homegrown band celebrating the unique jazz stylings of the Karoo, blending local influences with classic jazz tones under the direction of Ramon Alexander and Lynette Petersen who continue to encourage the genre in the Karoo region as organisers PACT, join them in searching for the next jazz-talent.
The People’s Concert – Opening Ceremony Acts
The festivities get underway on Thursday 1 May 2025, with a free variety show – The People’s Concert – held in the Kritikom Koppie Theatre, a former disused and abandoned quarry, that has been lovingly restored by the town into a stunning amphitheatre. The concert showcases local talent from Prince Albert and the surrounding towns, as part of the capacity building aspect of J2J. It is always a highlight.
Performers on the line-up include:
· Lainsburg Brass Band – who will lead the music procession to the Kritikom theatre (all are invited to join in)
· Karoo Blues – A unique fusion of Karoo blues and gospel harmonies that capture the soul of the region with lead singer Mr Blues, whose vocal prowess captures the hearts of all who hear him
· Zolani Youth Choir – The A Cappella, Zolani Youth Choir from Ashton in the Western Cape, has gained international fame by winning a prestigious music competition in Moscow, Russia
· Derek Hendricks & Slam JAM – Prince Albert local heroes with an impressive 32-year pedigree of entertainment that play a diverse range of genres, including disco, langarm, jazz, pop, and riel
· Prince Albert Vastrappers Riel Dancers – A mesmerising dance troupe keeping the traditional Riel dance alive, bringing vibrant energy and cultural heritage to the festival and who will perform at the opening party
· NSG Band – Nathan, Samuel and Gershwin, who are gospel keyboard players known for their energetic and lively sound, often featuring upbeat rhythms and catchy melodies
· Oom Tallie – a fusion of traditional African, Latin America and Caribbean rhythms with modern electronic and rock elements
· Claudia Hendricks – blending various genres, like, POP, R&B and SOUL.
A Festival Like No Other
Whether you’re a die-hard jazz enthusiast or simply looking for a soul-nourishing getaway, this festival promises unforgettable performances, intimate venues, and the magic of Karoo hospitality. Look out for the full Meet and Greet programme that will be announced in mid-March.
Journey to Jazz is produced by the Prince Albert Community Trust (PACT), an NPO that is transforming lives of the youth in Prince Albert and nearby towns through skills development, training and various income generating opportunities.
PACT is also the main sponsor for this year’s event, proudly supported by several brands and partners who ensure that the joy of germinating new talent in the town, remains a reality. For a list of these heroes please go to www.journeytojazz.co.za
Event details:
Dates: 1 – 4 May 2025
Venues: Throughout the town (The Showroom, African Relish/Langhuis, NG Kerk, PACT Centre, Krittikom Koppie Theatre (People’s concert only)
Tickets: Available on Quicket
Prices: From R150 per person per performance
People’s Concert – Free and open to all
Social Media
Facebook: journeytojazzofficial
Instagram: journeytojazzofficial
TikTok: journey.to.jazz
YouTube: @JOURNEYTOJAZZ_OFFICIAL
Hashtags: #Journeytojazz
#J2J
#J2J2025
For the full line-up please see www.journeytojazz.co.za
Media wishing to attend the festival should please write to Kaz Henderson – kaz@networxpr.co.za requesting media access to shows. Only accredited media will be given passes.
//ends
Editor Notes:
About the Prince Albert Community Trust (PACT)
PACT is a dynamic non-profit organisation dedicated to fostering sustainable social change and community development in Prince Albert and surrounding areas. Committed to empowerment through education, skills development, and economic inclusion, PACT collaborates with local and international partners to drive impactful initiatives that uplift disadvantaged communities. From early childhood development and youth mentorship to arts, culture, and entrepreneurship programmes, PACT creates opportunities that inspire hope and transformation.
Some of these projects include The Showroom Theatre that stages regular productions; ONS Botanicals and ONS Table (at Langhuis), as well as Journey to Jazz and a host of other projects and programmes.
To learn more about PACT and how you can support its initiatives, visit www.pactrust.co.za
J2J 2nd Artist Line-up – Short Bios
Allou April (South Africa)
Allou April, a guitarist from Saldanha, started playing in garage bands at 16 before moving to Cape Town in the 1970s, where he became a sought-after session musician. Over the years, he developed a unique style blending South African genres with contemporary African and jazz influences.
Allou says “I find it important to project my personal passion through the music of Cape Town, Africa and also the international jazz genre. The time is ripe to share this music with the rest of the global community by encouraging the meeting of different cultures which adds many more dimensions to the world of music.”
Allou has had the opportunity of collaborating with many outstanding musicians such as Sibongile Khumalo, Robbie Jansen, Hotep Galeta, Joe McBride and Al Jarreau. Sheer Sound proudly presents his highly-revered debut album, ‘Bringing Joy’. His debut album reflects on various styles, including funk, goema, gospel, township contemporary, R&B.
Allou says of his music that, “it covers a wide range of experiences that reflect my roots and place in the new world.” ‘Bringing Joy’ features, amongst others, pianist, Andile Yenana, trumpeter Marcus Wyatt, Basi Mahlasela on percussion, Robbie Jansen on saxophones and R&B songstress TK. Allou joins Heinrich Frans at Journey to Jazz 2025.
El Corazon (South Africa)
Atiyyah Khan is a DJ, record collector, cratedigger and music journalist from Johannesburg, now based in Cape Town. Her love for music was nurtured through years of writing about South African sounds and learning through listening.
She started collecting records more seriously when co-founding music collective Future Nostalgia in 2013, with a few other music lovers, to come together and listen. The collective is a platform to bring ‘collectors, selectors, deejays, and diggers’ together and has hosted events all over South Africa and beyond.
Outside of writing and DJing, Atiyyah worked as a sound artist and toured extensively abroad with Zimbabwean choreographer Nora Chipaumire; experimented with zine-making; hosted radio shows on WorldwideFM (UK) and J-Wave (Japan) and frequently works on podcasts, sonic lectures and other sound work.
Atiyyah believes the best part about music is getting to share it with others. Her sets as DJ El Corazon (the heart), dig deep into her record collection to weave in sounds including jazz, African and Latin groove, middle eastern rhythms, dub, reggae, Gnawa, cumbia, taarab, soul, funk and beyond. Her sets explore music beyond boundaries and form connections that conjure up a curiosity in the possibility of sound.
Heinrich Frans (South Africa)
Heinrich entered the music industry as a professional singer at the age of 11. His journey as a singer began as a member of the St. George’s Cathedral (boys and men’s) Choir. He soon joined both the Tygerberg Children’s Choir and subsequently the Pro Cantu Youth Choir. These choirs toured extensively and competed both nationally and internationally. His career spans solo performances with the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra (under the direction of, Bernard Gueller), live performances as lead and backing vocalist for Allou April, Ernie Smith, Wanda Baloyi, The Camillo Lombard Collective, Mynie Grové, and recording sessions as lead and backing vocalist for, Vusi Khumalo and Ivan Mazuze. He has also performed as lead and backing vocalist for international artists such as Jonathan Butler, Kirk Whalum, Oleta Adams, Diana Ross, Bebe Winans, Josh Groban and Mark Fransman’s Strait and Narro.
Between 2004 and 2009, he performed as lead vocalist for a Jazz-duo, trio and quartet that he had established for live performances. Some of his work is well-documented on commercially available albums such as: “Jazz Rendezvous”, “G-Spot Grooves”, Ivan Mazuze’s, “Maganda”, Vusi Khumalo’s, “Reasons for Seasons”, Neville D Presents, by Neville Diedericks and Mozambican-born drummer, composer, arranger and producer, Frank Paco’s, Buyanini.
Heinrich has served as a vocal coach, judge and musical director for the annual, Shoprite Topstars singing competition. As an Audio Engineer, he has worked with top artists like Kyle Shepherd, and mixed and mastered the music for the hit television show, “Koortjies Met Jonathan Rubain” on, “kykNET & kie”. He has also performed (as a singer) for Heads of State including, Nelson Mandela, Bill Clinton and Thabo Mbeki.
At Journey to Jazz, he presents the Heinrich Frans Duo (with Allou April)
Karoo Jazz Project (KJP) (South Africa)
A homegrown band celebrating the unique jazz stylings of the Karoo, blending local influences with classic jazz tones under the direction of Ramon Alexander and Lynette Petersen who continue to encourage the genre in the Karoo region as organisers PACT, join them in searching for the next jazz-talent.
Image: Ramon Alexander J2J 2024
Kesivan Naidoo and The Lights (International)
Joining Kesivan at J2J 2025 is an outstanding international line-up of musicians: Darren English (South Africa) – Trumpet; Charley Rose (France) – Saxophone; Fabio Gouvêa (Brazil) – Guitar; Bokani Dyer (South Africa) – Piano and Joan Codina (Spain) – Bass.
Basel-based Kesivan Naidoo is one of South Africa’s most electrifying jazz drummers, composers, and bandleaders, known for his high-energy performances and deep-rooted connection to the country’s jazz heritage. A graduate of the South African College of Music (SACM) and Berklee College of Music, he has performed on some of the world’s biggest jazz stages, including Carnegie Hall and the North Sea Jazz Festival.
At the beginning of the millennium, Kesivan became the youngest person to win the South African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) Overseas Scholarship Competition. He chose to study under guru, Professor Sanjay Bandophadyah in India where he completed his research degree in Indian classical music systems.
It was this experience that opened his ears to the feeling of jazz as a global musical vernacular of freedom.
Few musicians bring the experience of this freedom – of living in a world that is limitless – as intimately, dangerously close – as Kesivan.
Watching him play is like marvelling at a cross between Animal, the wild drummer of Muppets fame, hard bop pioneer Elvin Jones and free-jazz drum genius Louis Moholo-Moholo. His approach to drumming is blisteringly ferocious and yet his harmonic manipulation of his kit is sublime subtlety itself.
As a torchbearer of contemporary South African jazz, his band, Kesivan and the Lights, has gained acclaim for seamlessly blending traditional African rhythms with modern jazz elements, creating a sound that is both innovative and deeply expressive.
At J2J 2025, Kesivan and the Lights will debut a specially commissioned piece celebrating South Africa’s 30 years of democracy. This extraordinary work features some of the country’s greatest composers over the past three decades (and earlier), creating a musical dialogue that captures the essence of South Africa’s evolving jazz landscape. This performance will be the first time this project is presented in South Africa, making it a historic moment for jazz lovers.
Each member of the ensemble brings a distinct cultural and musical voice, ensuring a truly global yet authentically South African jazz experience.
Kyle Shepherd Trio (South Africa)
