Feast for the Soul – Line-Up for Prince Albert’s Journey to Jazz Festival Announced

Afrika Mkhize Quartet (SA)

Afrika Mkhize is a renowned South African pianist, producer, music director, film score writer and music arranger who has worked with notable artists such as Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela.  Whilst predominantly known for his jazz works, Mkhize versatility and creative genius also embraces such genres as classical, Hip Hop and House. He has received numerous awards, including the “Standard Bank Young Artist Award” in 2012. On 14 October 2015, he released his debut album, Raindancer, and tours extensively with “The Afrika Mkhize Quartet” and “The Rainmakers”.

Adam Zanoli’s Heliacal Rising of Sothis (USA)

Adam Zanolini is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, ethnomusicologist, writer, and arts organiser based in Chicago. Zanolini’s project, “The Heliacal Rising of Sothis,” is a tribute to legendary jazz trumpeter and co-founder of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians, Kelan Phil Cohran. The ensemble formed in 2022, performs works composed by Zanolini while studying with Bro. Phil, or inspired by his teachings, and comprises Zanolini, Ben Lamar Gay (cornetist), Fred Jackson Jr. (saxophonist), Sharon Udoh (pianist), and Naydja Bruton (drummer). 

Zanolini’s highest ambition is to be a community musician: to cultivate and share knowledge through music to help heal, strengthen, and empower the Black community, and his tour to Prince Albert marks Zanoli and ensemble’s first visit to South Africa.

Cameron Ward (SA)

Internationally acclaimed South African Afro-jazz guitarist and solo artist, Cameron Ward, is hailed as one of the most versatile guitarists of his generation, counting such legends as Jonathan Butler and Jimmy Dludlu who bought him his first guitar, as heroes and influences. Ward played with Hugh Masekela, who had been looking for a new sound, for almost a decade and who called him one of his “favourite musicians”. Ward has headlined performances at prestigious venues worldwide, including Carnegie Hall and The Hollywood Bowl, with his sound guaranteed to get people dancing to his unique African beat. He is also the founder of the CW Music Foundation, which provides free music lessons to underprivileged children in Cape Town.

Darren English Quarter (SA and USA)

South African born but US-based jazz trumpeter, and internationally recognised visual artist, Darren English is a multi-award-winning musician in much demand by audiences and artists alike.  His long list of awards include the 2023 Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Jazz, as well as the 2020 and 2018 Global Peace Song Award in the Jazz category. He has also received several other awards, including the 2012 SAMRO Overseas Award and the JAZZIZ Magazine Critics’ Pick for BEST-OF-THE-YEAR 2016 and the HUFFINGTON POST BEST-of-2016. English is also a brand ambassador, and lecturer at the University of Cape Town. He has performed with renowned artists such as Grammy Award winning artists such as saxophonist Kebbi Williams, drummer Marcus Gilmore, and PJ Morton among others.

Giovanni Guidi Trio (Italy/USA)

The Giovanni Guidi Trio is a renowned musical group known for their unique sound and style, combining elements of jazz, classical music, and improvisation. The group comprises three highly skilled members, namely multi-award-winning Giovanni Guidi on piano, Thomas Morgan on bass, and Joao Lobo on drums. They have released several albums and collaborations, including “This is the Day,” which was nominated for a prestigious award. They have performed at various venues and festivals worldwide, receiving critical acclaim for their live performances.

Kyle Shepherd (SA)

One of South Africa’s leading pianists, film, and theatre music composers of his generation, Kyle Shepherd is internationally recognized for his distinctive compositional style and performances.  Shepherd has released seven jazz albums and several film, TV, and theatre scores. He has won several awards, including the 2018 South African Humanities and Social Sciences Award, the 2014 Standard Bank Young Artist Award, and the UNISA Piano Award 2015. His talent has taken him to 26 countries on four continents, where he has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious venues. He holds a master’s degree in music from Stellenbosch University and is also the co-creator of the popular Afrikaans TV series, Koortjies Met Jonathan Rubain.

 

UCT Little Big Band (SA)

For decades, the University of Cape Town Music School has produced some of the finest young jazz musicians in the country. Presented here is a selection of UCT’s top jazz vocal and Big Band music co-ordinated by Amanda Tiffin, the highly experienced Head of Jazz at UCT. Tiffin in her own right, is an accomplished and much-loved pianist-vocalist and musician, composer, and arranger and under her expert direction, the UCT Little Big Band is set to thrill audiences of all ages.

The Karoo Jazz Project – Directed by Ramon Alexander (SA)

Ramon Alexander is an “extraordinary” Jazz musician, pianist and composer who is considered a leading exponent of ‘Cape Jazz’ and is currently training Prince Albert’s very own, Karoo Jazz Project, a youth development band from Noodeinde. He has worked with various artists, including Robbie Jansen, McCoy Mrubata, and Terumasa Hino, and has performed at numerous local and international music festivals. He has two albums to his credit and has produced several recording projects. Alexander is also a lecturer in jazz piano and ensemble at the University of Stellenbosch and conducts jazz ensemble workshops with youth bands across the Western Cape.

Jonathan Rubain en die Koortjies Band (SA)

Born in Hanover Park, gospel and jazz musician, Jonathan Rubain, walked away with the Best Male Artist Award at the Victory Gospel Music Awards in 2016. He also has hosted and organised several shows in Hanover Park, such as the Hanover Park Jazz Festival. He is best known for his gospel music, and TV series called Koortjies on kykNET and KIE. Rubain’s love for music has afforded him the opportunity to travel and he has performed in the US, Norway, France, Malaysia, Zimbabwe as well as South Africa. He will perform with his 11-piece band at Journey to Jazz.