South Africa Special Edition Standard Bank presents Joy of Jazz

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SOUTH AFRICA

504 MULTIMEDIA PUBLICATION

W W W . 5 0 4 M A G . C O M

Jazz from New Orlens to South Africa

“SOWETO IS HOME” ALSO: FEATURING:

Milton Diniloxolo Bakithi Kumalo Peter Tladi Soweto Gospel Oprah Academy Damon Batiste

SOUTH AFRICA EDTION

NOSA Connection serving South Africa for over 20 years

MOABI KOTU

NAYO JONES

NEW CD ENTITLED

Standard Bank Presents: Joy of Jazz Festival 2019

South Africa’s Soweto Gospel Choir Wins 3rd Grammy

504MAG.COM

The Department of Arts and Culture is proud to be associated with the Joy of Jazz Festival.

The first artists announced to perform at this year’s Standard Bank Joy of Jazz are an interesting mix of old and new, foreign and local.

THE Standard Bank Joy of Jazz promises to raise the bar this year, and has roped in the most celebrated jazz musicians internationally and locally. Earl Klug will perform at the Dinaledi Stage. The first artist announcement was made on 9 May for the festival, which will run from 23 to 25 August. Speaking at a media briefing at Turbine Hall in Newtown, the executive producer of the show, Peter Tladi, said this year it would largely keep to the original jazz sound. “This is a line-up that people will love the most. We want to stay true to the core jazz sound, even if sometimes we do lift the boundaries a little bit.” The Gauteng MEC of arts and culture, Lebogang Maile, congratulated Standard Bank for its unwavering support of South African music. The department is a sponsor of the festival, along with the City of Johannesburg.

“We are going to invest more into the creative arts industry as part of our initiative to revive the creative industry – not only that but to also protect their products,” said Maile.

Standard bank: Joy of Jazz announces 2019 line-up “Every year we strive to bring new audiences and grow the festival,” JOJ organiser and T-Musicman CEO Peter Tladi said at the line-up announcement.

“This is not possible without demonstrating jazz’s ability to grow. It was important to mark 25 years of our South African democracy with a collaboration with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Centre Orchestra. It takes our footprint global. This is important for the role that the festival must play in cultural diplomacy.”

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THE NEW CONNECTION

“This magazine is dedicated toward building the New Orleans- South Africa connection Dr Wm Doc Jones”

MOABI KOTU

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WARRIOR OF LIGHT

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Joy of Jazz

FEATURING:

Apiwe Bubu Thandullah Ibrahim Simphine Dana Hugh Masekela Miriam Makeba

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Nayo Jones

Soweto Gospel Choir

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Pete Tladi fouder of Joy of Jazz

Damon J. Batiste NOSA Connection

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PILA BUBU

Eark Klugh headline

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WELCOME 504/021 MAGAZINE TO SOUTH AFRICA

Earl Klugh

Moabi Kotun

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ARIZONA/ SOUTH AFRICACONNECTION TO PRODUCE THE 9TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY FESTIVAL 2020

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Pete Tladi

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Damon Batiste

Kumalo

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Cama Gwini

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Pilan BuBu

Soweto Gospel Choir

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Nayo Jones

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Milton Diniloxolo

Nayo Jones Bakithi Kumalo

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Oprah Winfrey’s Academy 021 MAGAZINE 4

NEW CD B.O.A.T.S. COMING SOON

MOABI KOTU

TELLING HIS STORY OF GROWING UP IN SOWETO By: Moabi Kotu Moabi Kotu is a singer, songwriter, and recording artist raised in Soweto South Africa.

Besides the obvious influence of rich African culture, his music reflects the influences of Jazz, Neo Soul, Negro Spirituals and music from across the globe. The Southern African Bantu people’s concept of UBUNTU is the building foundation of his music as it is still the way of life. The songs are sung covering the 11 native South African official Languages spoken in the country.

Moabi’s musical passion started from his home where he listened to his father’s LP records; Mainly Jazz, Gospel, R&B and traditional African Music. His love of music evolved when he started singing in church, in school choirs and quartet vocal bands.

The music of Letta Mbuli , Caiphus Semenya, Brenda Fassie, Bayete, Mbongeni Ngema, Sankomota, Stimela, Dr. Victor and the Rasta

Rebels, Lucky Dube, Hugh Masekela, Merriam Makeba, Blondie Makhene just to mention a few artists from South Africa that he grew up listening to on radio in the 80’s and 90’s Moabi was trained and mentored from age 15 by Milton Ndlakuse, who is a 4-time Grammy Award winning producer and current music director for Soweto Gospel Choir. That’s where Moabi’s keyboard and vocals skills, both harmony and solo improvisation skills were developed. He later picked up the skills to play the bass guitar under the training of Fana Zulu who was the late Hugh Masekela’s bass player. He actually let Moabi sit in Hugh’s rehearsals and shows as part of learning to execute his talents and performance.

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Hugh Masekle R.I.P APRIL,14TH 1939 JAN,23, 2018

Leaving a Legacy: the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation

Hugh Ramapolo Masekela was a South African trumpeter, flugelhornist, cornetist, singer and composer who has been described as “the father of South African jazz”. Masekela was known for his jazz compositions and for writing well-known antiapartheid songs such as “Soweto Blues” and “Bring Him Back Home”

SOUTH AFRICA’S GOSPEL CHOIR

THE DIRECTOR

Eral Klugh to Headline Joy Of Jazz 2019Talks Exile, Grammy Award This year, hardcore jazz lovers have their plate full. On the bill is the Grammy Award winning guitarist, Earl Klugh, who will perform on the Thursday and Saturday on the Dinaledi Stage. Tineke Postma from the Netherlands, Rosemary Quake from the US and Shannon Mowday of South Africa will perform on the same stage on the same nights. Another Grammy-winning musician on the bill is the singer Kurt Elling. He will perform on the Dinaledi Stage on Friday and at Bassline on Saturday. Trombone master Wycliffe Gordon is also on the bill, and is expected to deliver a fired-up show on the Dinaledi Stage. Also expect to see the famed Duke Ellington Orchestra.

Leading the way for the distinct be luminaries of the calibre of performed on some of the bigabroad, the Matswale hitmaker home and internationally.

sound of African jazz will Caiphus Semenya. Having gest stages in Africa and commands huge respect at

He will perform on the Conga of Botswana and South African also perform.

Stage on Friday. Shanti Lo Nthabiseng Mofokeng will

Kurt Urlling Award-winning singer Kurt Elling Bakithi Kumalo, who made international headlines following his performance on Paul Simon’s Graceland song, will play at Bassline on the Friday and Saturday. Another South African on the stage will be Vusi Khumalo. Diabango Another artists to note are Manu Diabango from Cameroon and Mory Kante from Guinea; their hit track Ye Ke Ye Ke was the first African single to sell over one million copies in Europe. Diabango will play on the Conga Stage on Friday and Saturday. Kante will be on the Mbira Stage on those same nights. Thandiswa Mazwai will represent South Africa on the Mbira Stage on Friday, while Swazi Dlamini will do the honours on Saturday.

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The opening night spectacular Sax Summit and Tribute to Davis Miles are concerts not to be missed – they will take to the Dinaledi Stage on Thursday, as will the American Grace Kelly. Jimmy Dludlu will perform at the same venue on Saturday.

better, according to organisers.

Maile said Newtown was ear-

South African trumpeter Marcus Wyatt will also perform on the Dinaledi Stage.

Other stellar performances will include the Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Band at the Market Theatre on Friday; Africa Mkhize, the 2012 Standard Bank Young Artist winner for jazz, at Bassline on Saturday; and Johnny Mekoa at the Market on Saturday.

He will be joined at the Market with a host of interesting performers. South Africa’s acclaimed woman of jazz, Gloria Bosman, will perform on Friday. Jane Monheit will be back on Friday, after warming up the stage on Thursday. Samson Diamond is also at the Market on Saturday Conga Stage On Friday, Lesotho saxophonist Bhudaza Mapefane will be on the Conga Stage. At the same venue on Saturday, the man of many talents, composer, vocalist and bassist Bakini Kumalo will perform.

The final line-up of artists will be announced mid-June. In the meantime, Gauteng music lovers can have more fun at their favourite hangouts. T-Musicman’s annual live music campaign, the Road to Joy of Jazz is set to hit the road, this time bigger and

marked for development, as the department would be rolling out cultural programmes further afield.

Now in its 12th year, Joy of Jazz has long been a success story, having put on shows with the best jazz musicians around. It is sponsored by Standard Bank, the City of Johannesburg and the Department of Arts and Culture.

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Masekela spent 30 years in exile, moving to Guinea in the early 1970s, then Botswana in 1981 and finally back to the UK in 1985. Along with Miriam Makeba (his wife for a few years in the mid-60s) and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Masekela provided the soundtrack to the anti-apartheid struggle. “I think [we] got noticed by the world because we didn’t adopt any other cultural style. We projected the music of our country. Not for a political reason but [because] we came from there, we came from our people,” he says, downplaying once again the significance of his role in South Africa’s emancipation.

Returning to the country of his birth was something Masekela never expected to be able to do, so when the system of apartheid began to be dismantled in the early 1990s, he seized the opportunity to go home.

“The two greatest things that ever happened in my life was to leave South Africa and to come back to South Africa. That to me is the paradox of my life,” he says. His greatest joy was to be able to play with South African musicians again, with whom he feels he has an innate connection and understanding. “When I was overseas I had to write down music, analyse it and compartmentalise it for me to be able to play with other people. In South Africa, we would play music naturally. So to have the opportunity to come back and just be able to zero in on what you grew up with without having to explain it, you can’t beat that.”

Standard Bank Joy of Jazz (JOJ) yesterday unveiled the line-up of artists who will perform at the 2019 edition of the festival at Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 26 to 28 September. The event, which is in its 22nd edition, will run under the theme Jazz in 19Afrika. Previously announced acts include nine-time Grammy winner Wynton Marsalis and his 15-piece Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and Marcus Wyatt & The ZAR Jazz Orchestra. The two bands will perform on opening night on the Dinaledi Stage under the banner Battle of the Big Bands.

They will be joined by Moreira Chonguiça (Mozambique), Roberto Fonseca (Cuba), Manu Katché (France), Ken Peplowski (US), Rahsaan Patterson (US), Salim Washington (US), Etuk Ubong (Nigeria), Kyekyeku (Ghana).

Confirmed local acts include Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Sibongile Khumalo, Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse, Siphokazi & The Soil, Nomfundo Xaluva, Nokukhanya Dlamini, Stimela, Zoe Masuku, Zoe Modiga, Nduduzo Makhathini, Don Laka, Vuyo Tyolo, Nokukhanya Dlamini, Sobantwana, R Benjamin, Aus Tebza and Nelisiwe, among others.

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The Standard Bank Young Artist All Star Jazz Band is also scheduled to perform on opening night, as well as on 27 September. The band features Sibongile Khumalo, Victor Masondo, Gloria Bosman, Concord Nkabinde, Shannon Mowday, Mark Fransman, Kesivan Naidoo, Melanie Scholtz. Bokani Dyer, Afrika Mkhize, Shane Cooper, Nduduzo Makhathini and Mandla Mlangeni. Other highlights include Project Lila, Zachusa Warriors, Ladies Unite in Jazz and Sankofa. Project Lila will play on the Dinaledi Stage on 27 September and features Shannon Mowday, Heige Lien, Erik Nylander and Johannes Eick. The Zachusa Warriors will entertain jazz fanatics on the Diphala Stage on the same night. The trio features Kesivan Naidoo, Reggie Washington and Malcom Braff.

Sankofa, meanwhile, is a collaboration by Salim Washington, Nduduzo Makhathini, Ayanda Sikade, Dalisu Ndlazi, Sakhile Simani and Zoe Masuku. The Ladies Unite Jazz, a collaboration between Nomfundo Xaluva and Zoe Modiga, is another must-see performance at this year’s JOJ.

SA: Joy of Jazz announces 2019 line-up.

“Every year we strive to bring new audiences and grow the festival,” JOJ organiser and T-Musicman CEO Peter Tladi said at the line-up announcement. “This is not possible without demonstrating jazz’s ability to grow.

It was important to mark 25 years of our South African democracy with a collaboration with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Centre Orchestra. It takes our footprint global. This is important for the role that the festival must play in cultural diplomacy.”

By:Ano Shumba

B.O.A.T.S Moabi Kotu’s Career highlights include performing at: • The 2010 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony, collaborating on theme song “Sign of Victory” with R. Kelly • Sharing the stage with Grammy-winning recording artists the legendary Hugh Masekela, Femi Kuti, the son of Fela Kuti and Afro Flamenco from Spain • SABC Africa Morning Live, a channel that is broadcasted throughout the whole continent of Africa.

• KLAF Fox News Morning Rocks live, to commemorate Black History month in Louisiana, USA. • Wurst Buirgaten on Festival International Louisiana weekend and • The first African Fest USA, an annual event powered by the city of Tempe, Arizona, being the headliner • The AFASA annual African Festival • The Annual Caribbean Carnival held in Phoenix, Arizona • Not to mention multiple live DVD recordings and collaboration with other major artists such as HHP., Casper Nyovest and many more Currently Moabi has one released album entitled “Emakhaya” which means Home and is available online. Moabi has just finalized recording his second 11-track album entitled “B.O.A.T.S” This album is based on Africa’s true stories. This album is soon to be released followed by major tours in multiple cities across the US and a homecoming tour in South Africa. B.O.A.T.S is Moabi’s masterpiece creation that tells the story of being born in the village of North West of South Africa, being raised in the inner city Township of Soweto and him finding his way through life in the big city of Johannesburg. Moabi is paying tribute and homage to those who came before him, in particular, his two grandmothers’ whose love for him when he was growing up was strong and powerful, even when they became widows. Moabi reminisce about the times that he would sit underneath them and listen to their stories, heard them sing, watch how they ran their homes, passed down traditions and heritage of the people of the Township of Soweto. For Moabi, he considers them both as two invincible women with divine superpowers as they are with him always.

Moabi’s first single is released called “Turn Around” and available online worldwide. It includes a music video currently available on social platforms and Youtube. Moabi will always remember growing up in Soweto, and being surrounded by music. From his home his uncles were always ready to record contemporary music and their ensemble used to practice at my grandmother house located at 2051 Motubatsi street Soweto. Their music included parts of the traditional apostolic church clap and tap, type singing that would invoke high spiritual transcends. The “Struggle” type songs sang in protests against Apartheid were everywhere, including street corners, trains, schools, and everywhere. AS he reflects on his past, Moabi remembers that the amazing part about this time was that strangers would share a song unrehearsed in perfect 3 to 4 part harmony. It is these fond memories of his youth that he treasures the most about the community not leaving out traditional songs which are chants, prayers and teachings passed down vocally through song. Moabi has fond memories of his father was that he loved jazz, so naturally, his love for jazz at an early age grew because it was the music culture in his home. Jazz musicians like: Louis Armstrong, Low Donaldson, Donald Byde, Big John Patton, and The Crusaders, were some of the artist’s that his father played. His uncle, Sam Maile was a pianist, composer, and arranger of one of the first movies in South Africa. “Joburg Jim and Zonk”. Moabi Kotu’s passion for his music is powered by his core beliefs in his own words that, “Music is my calling to deliver messages from our ancestors, to educate the world about the beauty, the pain and the power of Africa in our times. Soothing tunes and intense spiritual vocals are there to call African unity, the spirit of Ubuntu and total healing of the mind, body, and soul. As I travel the world I want to inspire kids in Soweto and everyone in Africa that their dreams are valid and they can be anything they want to be if they put their minds into it. “ 12 stylus magazine

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Soweto Gospel Choir wins Grammy

Members of the Soweto Gospel Choir react after winning Best World Music Album for “Freedom” .Reuters Multiple award-winning South African gospel group, the Soweto Gospel Choir, won the Best World Music Album Grammy for their album Freedom at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards ceremony, at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The choir was formed in Soweto in 2002 by David Mulovhedzi and Beverly Bryer, two choir directors, to celebrate the unique and inspirational power of African Gospel music.

It consists of more than 30 members, and performed at the first of the 46664 concerts for Nelson Mandela. Last year it performed Halo alongside Beyoncé at the Global Citizen festival in Joburg. The Best World Music Album is for albums containing at least 51% playing time of new vocal or instrumental world music recordings.

Other nominees included Nigerian musician Omara “Bombino” Moctar; Malian musician Fatoumata Diawara; and Nigerian musicians Seun Kuti and Egypt 80.

This was the Soweto Gospel Choir’s fifth nomination in this category and they have won the award three times - for Blessed in 2007, African Spirit in 2008 and now The award was received by album producer Diniloxolo Ndlakuse, Shimmy Jiyane, Mary Mulovhedzi; and Mulalo Mulovhedzi, whose late father was co-founder Mulovhedzi. Freedom was recorded in June 2018 as part of the group`s tribute to the 100

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Years of Mandela celebrations. It features a selection of South African Struggle songs including their scintillating version of Johnny Clegg`s poignant Asimbonanga, the group said.

The album was released in the US where the group have just completed a successful three-month long tour. Further tours are planned this year, including an Australasian tour scheduled for July through September. Taking to Twitter, President Cyril Ramaphosa led the tributes, hailing the choir “for telling our story to the world and flying the flag high”.

Congratulatory messages continued to flood in on social media. “On this day 29 years ago we celebrated the return of one of our foremost freedom fighters uTata u Mdiba. “Today we celebrate the fruits of that freedom as we congratulate @Sowetogospel for winning their 3rd #Grammy for an album titled FREEDOM! Halala! Africa soars high through you,” wrote Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa. “Congratulations to @ Sowetogospel for winning another Grammy, our collaboration is going to be another banger,” said TV personality Mzilikazi wa Afrika.

By: ANA REPORTER

The Soweto Gospel Choir was formed in Soweto, South Africa, by David Mulovhedzi and Beverly Bryer, two choir directors. The more than 30-member ensemble blends elements of African gospel, Negro spirituals, reggae and American popular music. The group performed at the first of the 46664 concerts for Nelson Mandela and has since toured internationally several times.

Their albums Freedom won Traditional 2008 and 2019,

Blessed, African Spirit and the Grammy Award for Best World Music Album in 2007, respectively.

On 7 July 2007 African leg of joined Robert Home: A Tribguard Records), Domino’s “Val-

they performed at the South Live Earth. Also in 2007, they Plant in contributing to Goin’ ute to Fats Domino (Vanperforming their version of ley of Tears”.

The group was Thomas Newwritten for The song was Globe Award 66th Golden emy Award 81st Academy

featured on the Peter Gabriel/ man song “Down to Earth”, Pixar’s 2008 film WALL-E. nominated for the Golden for Best Original Song at the Globe Awards and the Acadfor Best Original Song at the Awards.

The group World Cup final

performed at the 2010 FIFA draw on 4 December 2009

in Cape Town,

South Africa.[1]

In 2010 composer Christopher Tin’s song “Baba Yetu”, which featured the group, won the Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s). The song had originally been produced for Firaxis Games’s 2005 PC title Civilization IV, but Tin enlisted the Soweto Gospel Choir to re-record the song for inclusion on his debut album, Calling All Dawns, leading to the song’s nomination and award. This marked the first time a video game composition had won or been nominated for the category.

Publisher / CEO DR.William “Doc” Jones Senior Editor & Vice President Pauline Adkin Senior Writer / Chief Editor Shirley A. Jones Senior Writer/ Editor Cynthia Gill Mitchell Staff Writer Douglas Berry Senior Design Layout Wm. Doc. Jones Chief Photo Editor Doc Jones Assistant Photo Editor Jerry Malone ©504 Multi MEDIA LLC. All Rights Reserved

NOSA CONNECTION

Welcome to 021 Magazine.

As Publisher & CEO OF 504 Multimedia, I would like to congratulate Herbie Hancock, President Barack Obama,UNSECO Director General Irina Bokova,& all the Jazz musicians that has supported the International Jazz Day Movement around the world .

Dr Wm Jones, Phx AZ Mayor Greg Stanton,& Wayne Gaskins

meet on the topic of the Phoenix and South Africa International Jazz Dday AZ cultural exchange 2016

Once you meet him, you’ll remember him. Dr. William Jones (lovingly referred to as Doc) is Founder/CEO and Chief Editor of the pulse of NOLA’s, 504Mag.com. Doc Jones brings a high level energy, excitement and hands on involvement to anything he believes in. Doc’s motto, love of people, and talents continues to be, “if you believe in it, you should be a contributing factor in it.”

Doc is excited about the restoration of and is spearheading an all out effort to bring an influx of new ready-to-run contributors to the area armed with current information in 021Mag. He recently stated, “It’s not the remaining rubble, though the devastation of Katrina remains vividly in my mind, but the beauty of the people, the succulence of the food and the throngs of happy tourist I once performed for himself on Bourbon Street.” 504Mag.com comes to give

and not take from the history of the culture within that makes NOLA so unique. I come to give and not take toward the complete restoration of New Orleans.

Publisher Doc Jones & Int’l Jazz Day Ambassador Herbie Hancock

UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova

& Ambassador Herbie Hancock Doc Jones has been a music educator and professional musician /restaurant owner for more than 35 years. Everywhere he has lived from Chicago to Arizona and now New Orleans, he has left a trail of happy and fond memories. Though there will always be a special place in his heart for Chicago, Doc Jones is quoted to have said New Orleans is, “His Kind of Town.”

Joy of Jazz, giving African music a global platform, turns 22 this year PETER TLADI, BOSS OF T-MUSICMAN, LAUNCHED THE JOY OF JAZZ FESTIVAL IN 1997

PETER TLADI, THE MUSIC MAN WHO BLOWS JOYOUS LIFE INTO JAZZ When impresario Peter Tladi ran a night club in the Vaal Triangle in the 1970s, he probably never imagined, even in his wildest dreams, the shape of his future career. Tladi is indisputably one of the top five, if not the leading, promoters of live music on the African continent. He prefers to call himself a music producer when talking about jazz. There are good reasons why he is revered, especially among musicians hoping to make it big by performing live in SA. Over the past 15 years live performances have become very important in musicians’ careers and for their incomes, as the digital world disrupted the manner in which music is distributed and consumed. In many ways, live gigs determine who succeeds and who does not make it commercially. Digital music channels allow consumers to access their favourite tunes at a mere fraction of what it used to cost to buy a record, cassette or CD. Promoters such as Tladi have played a major role in the elevation and appreciation of jazz in SA in the past two decades.

Tladi founded what has become one of the most recognisable and respected brands in jazz promotion on the continent.

His company T-Musicman, established 21 years ago, is firmly committed to promoting SA and African live music, in particular jazz. “That is why every year at the Joy of Jazz festival, 90% of musicians in the line-up are from SA, with a good continental representation and the rest coming from

all over the world,” Tladi says. “This is deliberate on our part as we want to send the message that SA is an important contributor to the art of jazz in the world. Joy of Jazz audiences over the years have responded positively to the line-up mix that favours local musicians. “But, of course, we also need to have the top names in jazz from around the world, as we must give ”But, of course, we also need to have the top names in jazz from around the world, as we must give SA music lovers an opportunity to watch them perform, and also to cater for overseas audiences that come all the way here to watch artists perform,” says Tladi.

“In this way we also open opportunities for local artists to be spotted by overseas promoters, who invite them to other jazz festivals after watching them perform at Joy of Jazz.” Tladi launched Joy of Jazz at the State Theatre in 1997, after getting advice on organising a music festival from worldrenowned trumpeter and flugelhorn player Hugh Masekela. The festival has grown over the years, attracting up to 30,000 fans each year, booking artists from around the world, and discovering new talent. It has always had Standard Bank as its main sponsor, but has over the years attracted more sponsors and partners due to its brand equity. The national department of arts & culture and the City of Johannesburg are also partners.

The festival organises activities throughout the year, running workshops, smaller concerts and events known as the Road to Joy of Jazz, culminating in the finale in Sandton featuring more than 25 artists. This year’s impressive line-up includes song-stylist Cassandra Wilson (US), trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, tenor saxophonist Roderick Pauli, trumpeter Nicholas Payton, bassist Reginald Veal, pianist Courtney Bryan, drummer Herlin Riley (US) and the phenomenal pianist Amina Figarova, who is based in New York. SA’s tried and tested jazzmen Feya Faku, Khaya Mahlangu, Thandi Ntuli, Mthunzi Mvubu, Barney Rachabane, Sydney Mavundla, Steve Bokani Dyer, McCoy Mrubatha, Paul Hanmer and Mbuso Khoza will also be on stage. From the rest of the continent artists include Oliver Mtukudzi (Zimbabwe), Femi Koya (Nigeria), Kenya’s Nairobi Horns, and the leading voices

of Mozambican marrabenta music — Wazimbo and Banda Kakana. Tladi says the festival’s economic spin-offs in and around Johannesburg are huge.

“We have commissioned research from North West University that has revealed that the Joy of Jazz impacts positively on other businesses such as hotels, restaurants, car rental companies, and security and catering companies, for example,” the impresario reveals. “However, I dream of a day when every restaurant on every corner of the city will — in one way or another — be affected by Joy of Jazz, hosting their own shows during the festival, just like the London Jazz Festival manages to achieve. That, in my view, is not far-fetched,” Tladi says confidently.

The 21st Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is at the Sandton Convention Centre from September 27 to 29.

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Essen The Essence Festival, known as “the party with a purpose”, is an annual music festival which started in 1995 as a one-time event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Essence, a magazine aimed primarily towards AfricanAmerican women. ce Festival, known as “the party with a purpose”, is an annual music festival which started in 1995 as a one-time event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Essence, a magazine aimed primarily towards African-American women. It is the largest event celebrating AfricanAmerican culture and music in the United States.

#1 Airline in South Africa

SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS WINS “BEST AIRLINE IN AFRICA” SKYTRAX AWARD FOR THE 13TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR South African Airways (SAA), Africa’s most awarded airline, has been named “Best Airline in Africa” by Skytrax for the thirteenth consecutive year. Responses from air travelers to the Skytrax survey also ensured that SAA was honored with the award for “Best Airline Staff in Africa” for the fourth time. The awards for “Best Airline Staff ” are special and coveted accolades, as they represent the combined quality performance of an airline’s front-line staff, including the onboard cabin crew and airport customer service staff. Mango, SAA’s low-cost carrier, received the award for “Best Low-Cost Airline in Africa”. The awards were presented at the Skytrax World Airline Awards ceremony during the Paris Air Show, Le Bourget.

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The awards are based on a consumer satisfaction survey conducted each year by Skytrax, an independent aviation research organization. This year, the survey elicited responses from 18-million business and leisure air travelers from 160 countries, covering more than 200 airlines, from the largest international airlines to smaller domestic carriers.

The online survey is open for a 10-month period, giving passengers an opportunity to rate their experience in the air and on the ground. It measures satisfaction across 41 key performance indicators of airline front-line product and service including check-in, boarding, on-board seat comfort, cabin cleanliness, food, beverages, inflight entertainment and staff service.

“It is a distinguished honor

to, once again, receive these awards. We are committed to excellence and strongly believe that an outstanding customer experience is what makes a great airline,” said Marc Cavaliere, Executive Vice President for South African Airways in North America. “SAA is proud to be the only Skytrax 4-Star airline flying between the U.S. and Africa, and we are pleased that travelers recognize us as the best way to travel to Africa.”

1-(800) 722-9675, or their professional travel consultant.

About South African Airways South African Airways (SAA), South Africa’s national flag carrier and the continent’s most awarded airline, serves 67 destinations worldwide in partnership with SA Express, Airlink and its low cost carrier Mango. In North America, SAA operates daily nonstop flights from New York-JFK and direct flights from Washington D.C.-IAD (via Accra, Ghana* and Dakar, Senegal) to Johannesburg. SAA has codes share agreements with United Airlines, Air Canada and JetBlue Airways, which offer convenient connections from more than 30 cities to SAA’s flights. SAA is a Star Alliance member and the recipient of the Skytrax 4-Star rating for 13 consecutive years.

South African Airways offers the most daily flights between the U.S. and South Africa with nonstop service from New York-JFK Airport and direct service from Washington, DC-Dulles Airport to Johannesburg. SAA currently offers daily nonstop service between Washington, DC-Dulles Airport and Dakar, Senegal, and beginning August 3rd, will launch a new nonstop flight four days per week between Washington, D.C.-Dulles International Airport and Accra’s Kotoka International Airport. *Flights between Washington, DC-Dulles Airport and Accra, Ghana begin August 3, 2015 For reservations and information, customers should visit www.flysaa.com or contact South African Airways’ North America Reservations Center at

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NEW ORLEANS & SOUTH AFRICA CULURAL EXCHANGE

Damon J. Batiste is the President & Cultural Ambassador of the New Orleans South African Connection.

Mr. Batiste has traveled to Africa over 74 times since his first trip to South Arica in 1998. The results were the beginning of a solid cultural music exchange between New Orleans & South Africa. This Connection has seen the likes of Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masakela, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Jimmy Dludlu, Selealo Seloto, Prince Kupi, Musi Manzini & Miss South Africa and more return to the Birth Place of Jazz New Orleans, Louisiana.

Founded by Damon J. Batiste in 1998, the New Orleans South African Connection, Inc. (NOSACONN) has been a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization, comprised of business, civic, community and entertainment industry leaders, both in New Orleans and in the Republic of South Africa. Our unique partnership has allowed us to produce special events in the City of New Orleans and the Republic of South Africa, simultaneously for the past three years. These activities have allowed our organization to serve as pioneers of presenting art, culture and tourism as the forefront of economic development.

NOSACONN has recognized the field of arts, culture & education on a local, regional and international level as a tremendous networking tool for job creation, tourism, and self-empowerment. It has also served as an incubator for economic sustainability.

Over the past 5 years, NOSACONN has produced outdoor concerts, educational workshops, empowerment seminars, business expositions, and youth enhancement programs. Since our inception, we have employed over 250 people, including mentoring youth in our local school system.

To further our efforts of continued growth, we are seeking further assistance from the Louisiana State Department of Economic Development. During our next endeavor to South Africa, we will continue to promote the State of Louisiana and the City of New Orleans. We do this because of City’s uniqueness, diversity of culture and our openess to new opportunities for education and economic development.

This cultural exchange has opened doors for many businesses, entertainers and social groups to continue their work, which has been a great opportunity to support their effort. Not only does this cultural exchange help our city but also it offers the opportunity for producers, and musicians to gain marketing exposure while bringing dollars to our city. It is no surprise that what benefits the Each Province also benefits the Republic of South Africa.

Through NOSACONN, International Cultural Exchange will continue to gather a diverse group of government and business leaders to explore import, export, trade and business opportunities. Here are a few key measures Nosaconn uses for future growth.

Damon J. Batiste is the President & Cultural Ambassador of the New Orleans South African Connection. Mr. Batiste has traveled to Africa over 74 times since his first trip to South Arica in 1998. The results were the beginning of a solid cultural music exchange between New Orleans & South Africa Mr. Batiste began producing, organizing, and entertaining attendees at over fifty music festivals.

He has brought the necessary flavors of hip-hop, jazz, gospel, reggae, neosoul, and salsa to thankful audiences

worldwide.

JOY OF JAZZ - New Orleans Goes to South Africa Last year, WWOZ visited Johannesburg, South Africa to attend the Standard Bank JOY OF JAZZ Festival.

We were invited again to celebrate the 15th year of the festival, and we are going to be in good company, since several New Orleans culture standard-bearers are included in the line-up: Donald Harrison, Jr., Terrence Blanchard, Christian Scott, James Andrews, Marlon Jordan, Kid Merv, and various Batiste family members: David, Damond, Jamal and Ryan.

The festival will take place over three days (August 22 to 24), and presents 9 different stages with artists such as Ahmad Jamal, Abdullah Ibrahim, Rene Marie, Sipho Mabuse, Carmen Lundy, Eddie Daniels and many more.

Stay tuned all next week, as we will be bringing you sounds and images from the fest.

South Africa Renewed New Orleans Diplomatic Ties

Diplomatic ties between New Orleans and South Africa are being renewed after a break 33 years ago over Apartheid rule. An honorary consul’s main concern will be shepherding a $10 billion energy plant to completion in southwest Louisiana.

The South African company Sasol is planning a $10 billion-dollar plant in Westlake, converting natural gas to liquid fuels. South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool says the technology was developed when oil imports were blocked from his country. As international pressure grew to end the white-minority rule under Apartheid, the government developed fuel alternatives. Rasool says Louisiana is a natural fit for his country’s investment.

Louisiana is the place at which all of this gas comes together. It can come together in Louisiana and it can be dispersed from Louisiana using the channels that the Mississippi offers to get it all over the U.S. These are also the areas in which the greatest deposits of natural gas are to be found. And so rather than getting large pipeline and shipment costs with the natural gas you do it as close to the deposits as is possible.”

New Orleans attorney Keith Doley is the new honorary consul, and will concentrate on getting the plant

online.

A foreign company to come in and make an investment of this nature, it just shows that the doors of Louisiana are open for business. This won’t be the last plant that comes here. There’s a possibility that there may be other plants. We have natural resources that other states don’t have. They have to come to us.”

Officials expect 850 permanent jobs at the plant, with several thousand during construction. Rasool says the project could be finished in five years.

From South Africa to New Orleans: A WideRanging Season From Apollo Theater Festivals, the music of New Orleans and a tribute to Bob Marley are among the highlights scheduled for the Apollo Theater’s 2014-15 season, the theater announced Thursday. The Apollo’s third annual “Africa Now!” festival (Oct. 9-12) returns with a focus on South Africa as part of a citywide celebration of the 20th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s inauguration as president. Plans for the event include panel discussions, film screenings and performances by the South African musicians the Soil, Simphiwe Dana, Tumi Molekane and Toya Delazy. stylus magazine 29

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Protea Hotels in South Africa The benefit for Protea Hotels of its relationship with Marriott is that being part of an industry leader in innovation will bode well for Protea as this sort of innovation is rolled out across the Marriott portfolio,� Barenblatt said.

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MAYOR Of PHOENIX AZ GREG STANTON

Photo By 504 Staff

504 MULTIMEDIA CONNECTS PHOENIX TO NEW ORLEANS INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY AZ FOUNDATION

MAYOR MITCH LANDRUM

Photot By:504 Mag staff

B

Photo By: Lama

Bakithi Kumalo

Article with Collage #3

His incredible Journey from Zululand to Graceland

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Re Published E.E. BRADMAN There’s a moment in Joe Berlinger’s 2012 documentary Under African Skies that gets right to the bottom of Paul Simon’s gamechanging 1986 hit Graceland. There’s a moment in Joe Berlinger’s 2012 documentary Under African Skies that gets right to the bottom of Paul Simon’s gamechanging 1986 hit Graceland. We learn that the album’s music showed the world a different side of apartheid-torn South Africa, that Simon’s arrival was politically complicated, and that the combination of his vision, the studio musicians’ talent, and engineer Roy Halee’s editing prowess created a synthesis previously unheard in the annals of American music. But when the camera gets to Talking Heads icon David Byrne, he verbalizes precisely what bass players all over the world were thinking: “The [Paul Simon] albums before Graceland had great songs, but this one had a little bit more low end going on.”

Indeed. Underneath brilliant pop tunes like “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes,” “I Know What I Know,” “The Boy in the Bubble,”

and “You Can Call Me Al” flowed joyfully vocal bass lines that were singular works of art. The swooping, muscular parts, models of nimble technique and impressive intonation, were uniquely South African, immediately intoxicating, and buoyantly delivered by a young man named Bakithi Kumalo. Fretless bass would never be the same. Bakithi, born in Alexandra township and raised in Soweto, grew up surrounded by church music, and his uncle had a big band that played Count Basie and Duke Ellington. But it was the traditional music Bakithi heard on the streets of Soweto, in the countryside of Zululand, and at the clubs of Zimbabwe that made the deepest impression. Right from the beginning, he was playing vocal melodies on bass, soaking up the rhythms and flavors that would make him a bass hero for his work on Graceland and its 1990 successor, Rhythm of the Saints. In the years since, Kumalo has adapted his instantly recognizable bass approach to fit a dizzying array of situations, including Laurie Anderson’s Strange Angels, Edie Brickell’s Picture Perfect Morning, and Carl Perkins’ Go Cat Go. A quick spin

through his credits is eye-opening: That’s Bakithi shakin’ booty with Gloria Estefan, being tasteful with Herbie Hancock, funking it up with Randy Brecker, hitting the road with Chaka Khan and the Tedeschi Trucks Band, working magic with pan-African grooves

by Angelique Kidjo, Vieux Diop, and Vusi Mahlasela, and layin’ it down with contemporary jazz royalty, from Chris Botti and Grover Washington Jr. to Bob James and Jon Secada. His range runs from Celtic music (check out “Paddy in Zululand,” with Irish fiddler Eileen Ivers) to cosmic spirituality (with folk yogi Danny Paradise) and the early ’90s pop of Cyndi Lauper’s Hat Full of Stars. It’s safe to say, in fact, that Bakithi has brought African bass flavor to places no other African has gone.

Article with Collage #3

SOUTH AFRICAN ROADIES ASSOCIATION (SARA) The South African Roadies Association SARAThe South African Roadies Association (SARA) has been the principle technical production skills development and training organisation in Southern Africa for the past 16 years. Its extensive training has allowed some students to open their own businesses upon completion of the course.

When doing intake for students SARA strives for 60% male and 40% female to balance gender equity and introduce more women into the industry.

SARA is also a leader in calling for the transformation of imbalances that currently exist in the

entertainment Industry. The lack of entry-level technical and production skills, especially among previously disadvantage communities, has led to the formation of this course, which has been designed as a platform for the youth to avoid the harsh realities of South African township experience SARA has provided an outlet to produce a confident generation of young technicians, who have achieved and are developing their technical skills and expanding their global horizons. A reality has come, just when needed the most, at the dawn of the information age and convergence of audio, video and presentation platforms that translate primarily into entertainment and presentation services, thereby ensuring a guaranteed career direction. Details of the course: Learners were secured from Gauteng, the Free State, North West and Limpopo. The training programme covers live sound, lighting, staging, health and safety, backline, audiovisual and production. Six lead facilitators, one training coordinator and one assistant facilitator were successfully secured, all with qualifications. Three assessors were successfully secured, all with relevant qualifications.

One moderator were successfully secured, with relevant qualifications Training has commenced according to schedule. Learners are attending and they have all received the learning material including learner’s guides.

All subjects proceeded with training; assessments and moderation have been conducted.

All learners have been engaged in-house and on-the-job practical training. The Linkin Park team spent three hours at SARA House interacting with SARA students, sharing their respective experiences, describing their work and job descriptions and providing a well-rounded representation of the inner workings of their technical and production methods and systems.

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In yet another effort driven by the country’s leading live event technical and production training organization the South African Roadies Association (SARA), six SARA members: Mofenyi Mofamadi (25) from Dlamini 1, Soweto, Sylvarno Sauls (25) from Westbury, Johannesburg, Moeketi Tshabalala (27) from Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, Seiso Sithole (28) from Soshanguve, Pretoria, Mpumelelo Dakile (33) from Orlando West Extension, Soweto, Blondie Sello (34) Mangaung, Free State and Sikhumbuzo Sibanda (35) from Emdeni, Soweto will depart tonight for the United States for a 10 months tour with the Universoul Circus. The UniverSoul Circus is a single ring circus, established in 1994 by Cedric Walker, an African American man who had a vision of creating a circus with a large percentage of people of colour performing. He began searching for people from all around the world with incredible talents. The circus currently has performers from at least 24 different countries around the world. It is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

The UniverSoul Circus base in Atlanta, Georgia, is a world-class live entertainment attraction that has captured the hearts and imaginations of a new generation of families. Celebrating its 26th Anniversary, UniverSoul Circus has come full circle in its influence in the international entertainment marketplace – garnering the distinction of being known as a one-of-a-kind, must see attraction.

The first season of operations brought formidable debt upon the organization. By 1997 the circus tour grew to 10 cities, 19 cities in 1999, 31 cities in 2000, and 32 cities in 2005. A tour of South Africa, the first international destination, was completed in 2001.

SARA and the UniverSoul Circus first began working together in 2002 and a fruitful relationship endured for the next 7 years that saw 121 of people receive ten months of on-the-job paid for training experience in the USA per year, as part of the UniverSoul Circus “technical and production” crew. Lighting, Sound, staging, Audio Visual, Video- “Technicians” and production are some of the skills which they gained. “life-changing for those who make the grade,” said SARA South African technical and production skills, as shown by the exportability of the SARA members’ skills, are “skills of the future” and one of the skill sectors offering sustainable employment across the world, notwithstanding the region and the continent, to young people.

Sawubona Music Jam

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SOUTH AFRICA’S OWN SONGBIRD

Article with Banner

Pilani Bubu A Warrior 1. Who is Pilani Bubu? Kindly include your age.

Pilani Bubu(32) Creative Lifestyle Activist. I believe can change the world through creativity and passion. I believed that the world would be a better place if we all did more of what we are passionate about.

My creative journey began at the age of 9, I was writing songs, playing three different instruments, singing in choirs and obsessed about harmonizing to other people’s songs. I use to be top of my art class in my teens and I loved making dolls.

I neglected my creative journey from Matric till I was 25, when I realized that the education system doesn’t support creative kids and we are given little guidance. And in my case I was also a ‘clever kid’, straight A’s at most and so, all my 40 stylus magazine

teachers and parents could tell me is that I should be a doctor or lawyer or chartered accountant.

I am now the advocate for creative leadership. I believe that the Elon Musks’ and Brandsons of this word are build through passion and purpose.

My focus is on conscious communication and creative impact.

2. Tell us a bit more about referring to yourself as a ‘Warrior of light’?

This came from my journey in search of my own truth and light. My first EP Journey Of A Heart, sparked from a very dark place. I speak about hope for joy there, coming out of a heartbreak and disappointment.

Cont page 50

A song bird in South African stylus magazine 41

Oprah Winfrey’s Leadship Academy for Girls Marks 12 Years

By:Malina Saval In so many ways, the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls is a miracle of a school. Founded in 2007 by Winfrey to serve the needs of underprivileged girls living in nine provinces across South Africa, the boarding school has transformed the lives of hundreds of students in grades 8-12, providing them with the educational and emotional tools to realize their dreams of pursuing careers in such illustrious fields as medicine, public service and architecture.

“My hope was that I would give them an opportunity to see the best of themselves reflected through an open mind, an open heart, to what is possible,” says Winfrey. “And I can honestly say I have achieved that.” Winfrey estimates she’s spent roughly $140 million to keep the Henley on Klip-based school, just outside Johannesburg, running. She pays for every sock, every uniform, every set of braces. This past year, one girl damaged her arm so badly in a car accident, she needed multiples surgeries. Winfrey paid for them all. When she visits, she spends at least a week on campus, conducting fireside chats with each student and teaching what she calls her Life Lessons 101 course. She is like a mother to these girls — they call her “Mama O.” “She’s not just giving of her time, she’s giving of her talent,” says head of school Melvin King,. “She’s visible, she’s present, she is amongst the students. That is a very unique feature for any founder of a school to be so personally invested.” The girls attending

the school hail from impoverished communities in remote, rural areas. Many grew up in rondavels, thatch-roofed huts with walls made of mortar mixed with cow dung and sand.

Theirs is a patriarchal society, their role in the world devalued simply because they are female. Many of them are orphaned, having lost their parents to AIDS. They have suffered abuse — psychological and sexual — and in most cases have been raised by extended family members.

“When most girls come to my school they have suffered six major traumas on average,” says Winfrey. “They’ve lost one parent or both, been sexually abused, physically abused. This is a generation that lost their parents to AIDS. President [Thabo] Mbeki was in office and saying AIDS was not a real disease, and antiretroviral drugs were not provided. There was a time at the school during 2007, 2008, 2009, when we were losing a parent a week. Every week a child was being called in and we had to tell them, you lost your mom, you lost your dad.”

Too poor to afford any sort of tertiary education following high school, many of them didn’t even know what college was when Winfrey first met them.

Winfrey says her greatest gift is the relationships she’s forged with these girls, “the fierce love” that she has for them and the love they have for her.

Those same girls now attend top-tier universities such as Stanford, Skidmore, Brown, Oxford, USC, University of Cape Town and Varsity College. They’ve pursued post-doctorate degrees and secured prestigious jobs in major cities around the world.

Perhaps nothing better illustrates this love than a letter, sent to Winfrey from a student, thanking her for everything: “Where do I start Mama O? At 12, you saw in me what my country failed to see because I was a girl. You saw a future worth investing in and from there on we took off — internships, jobs, titles, tears, joy, mistakes, accolades, but through it all nothing but consistency and unconditional love from you. You promised me a change to my trajectory and I had no idea what I was signing up for. Ten years later now and I’m a proud graduate, with a job and apartment lined up. How do I even begin to thank you? Words, actions, accomplishments, can never express how grateful I am towards you, or even how much you mean to me. Thank you for everything, but even more so for believing in me even when my own didn’t. I love you and when I walk across that stage this is for us. We did it.”

“I had worked with other organizations, I had written lots of checks, I had started my own big sister program, where I was taking girls on skiing trips and spending time with them and reading. It doesn’t work,” says Winfrey. “What works is being able to change the trajectory of somebody’s life where you are literally brainwashing them for the good. Because what poverty does is brainwashes you to believe that you are not enough. So what our school does is work at creating a foundation of worthiness. It’s a patriarchal environment where they come from. Just being a girl makes you less than. I stand before them and tell them there is no bar, there is no ceiling. We’re not just going to crack the ceiling; it doesn’t exist.” Winfrey doesn’t expect every student who leaves her school to become a government leader or president of a corporation. That’s not the most important thing, she says.

“I want you to be president of your own life,” she tells the girls. “You be the greatest CEO of your life that’s possible. Your happiness and your fulfillment is what makes you successful.”

Article with Collage #2

Founder: Damon Batiste New Orleans South Africa Connection (NOSACONN)

Damon J. Batiste is the President & Cultural Ambassador of the New Orleans South African Connection. Mr. Batiste has traveled to Africa over 74 times since his first trip to South Arica in 1998. The results were the beginning of a solid cultural music exchange between New Orleans & South Africa. This Connection has seen the likes of Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masakela, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Jimmy Dludlu, Selealo Seloto, Prince Kupi, Musi Manzini & Miss South Africa and more return to the Birth Place of Jazz New Orleans, Louisiana. In 1994, Mr. Batiste maintained his own production company, Thumbs Up Productions where he served as CEO. He has gone on to be involved in smaller scale events such as “McMania” a high school music extravaganza held at McMain High School to large productions like the 1997 Presidential Inauguration in Washington D.C. Again in 1997. Batiste 44 stylus magazine

performed in the HBO Sinbad Soul Music In Aruba Festival, which included musicians George Clinton & P-Funk Allstars. Among Mr. Batiste’s biggest accomplishments is his involvement in the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival since 1990. He has assisted the festival in Public Relations, booking venues, organizing budgets, and generating contracts for artists. In addition, Batiste has served as Production Coordinator for the Essence Music Festival since 1996 & Sponsorship Director for the International Arts Festival over the past 2 years. Damon Batiste has, over the years assisted in celebrating music cultures from all parts of the world. In 1998, Batiste was bestowed with the honor of being named President & Cultural Ambassador to the New Orleans South Africa Connection (NOSACONN). In this capacity, Batiste produces festival activities related to cultural exchange to establish economic development related to trade, music, art, & tourism from both the USA & South Africa.

The South African Embassy wishes all South Africans a happy Youth Day!

we are delivering skills and training that are essential to addressing the skills gap in our economy.

Every year on 16 June, South Africa commemorates the 1976 Soweto Uprising in which high school learners stood up against the apartheid government. With the advent of democracy in 1994, 16 June gained formal recognition as an important public holiday in the history of South Africa and the entire month of June came to be equally celebrated as youth month.

Further to this, Youth Month also recognizes and celebrates the collective agency and activism of young people in South Africa and the roles that they must take up as active and responsible citizens; who are also participants and leaders in the democratic structures and processes of South Africa.

This year’s Youth Month coincides with the commemoration of 25 years of Freedom and Democracy and has been themed, “25 Years of Democracy: A celebration of youth activism”.

Youth Day is a pivotal reminder of the role that young people played in the struggle for freedom and democracy in South Africa. The Class of 1976 exposed to the international community the brutality of apartheid and in turn ignited a global force of resistance against the country, which became instrumental in dismantling apartheid.

One of the ways in which the Embassy will be observing Youth Day is through supporting the I Am, We Are (IAWA) benefit reception, to be held at the Embassy. IAWA is a United States of America and South Africa registered non-profit which empowers youth in the Royal Bafokeng Nation, South Africa.

Today, 43 years later, 16 June provides a moment of reflection on the great strides that the country has taken towards addressing issues facing the youth in South Africa. One such issue is education- the youth of ‘76 fought for equal and quality education for all and Government is seized with providing opportunities for all South African to be educated and gain the right skills to grow the economy. Government’s investment into the Technical Vocational Education and Training colleges as well as National Student Financial Aid Scheme, are only some of the ways in which stylus magazine 45

Who is Nayo Jones?

Long before Nayo Jones even thought about making a name for herself as a jazz singer, she was a 10-year-old Phoenix girl studying classical flute with a jazz musician/ disciple for a father. “I would come home and my dad would make me play jazz,” Nayo says. “Because I played classical all day at school.”

Doc Jones, a music educator who plays saxophone and keyboards, says, “Well, you know, being a jazz musician, I’m classically trained as well, and I knew she had something a little bit more than what she was doing. The school system always makes you stay at the level you’re supposed to be at, but she was playing what we call grown-people music then. She was playing Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, that kind of stuff, because she could read. She could sit down in the band and read those parts. I knew she would be able to play. And it came out right.”

The only reason his daughter had taken up flute was to make him happy.

“My older sister played the flute and when she got all these college scholarships, I saw how proud my father was,” Nayo says. “And every little

girl wants her father to be proud.

So I said, ‘I can play the flute, too.’ I taught myself how to play and then my dad saw that I really wanted to learn how to play it, and from there he nurtured the gift that was there and taught me how to play it properly.”

Soon she was sitting in with Doc at gigs.

“She was a phenomenal flute player,” Doc says. “She used to come out to my shows and play some very difficult music at the age of 10 with some of my grown players that couldn’t keep up with her. But she was always the shy one. Don’t ask her to sing out. She wouldn’t do that at all.”

He finally did convince Nayo to sing out one night at the Rhythm Room, joining her father’s band on Alicia Keys’ “Fallin’ “ at a benefit for Next Student Academy, a non-profit organization Doc created to fulfill his dream of putting an instrument in every child’s hands. She was 21 at the time — a “late bloomer,” as Nayo puts it.

“And it was amazing the response she got from doing that,” Doc recalls. “She earned a standing ovation. And I think that’s where

the bug started.”Looking back on it, Nayo says, “Not many people knew I could sing, including me. I never thought of myself as a singer.

I would sing around the house or sometimes shopping, I would burst out in song. But then, my father asked me to sing for one of his fundraisers. And if you’ve met my dad, you know he doesn’t take too kindly to ‘No.’ So I did the song really to get him off my back. And in spite of a terrible case of stage fright, I actually enjoyed it.”

That turned into people asking Doc, “Are you bringing your daughter?” any time he had a show.

“So I would go after work and sing a song or two with him,” Nayo says.

“And once I realized you could actually make money doing that, I said, ‘I’ll give it a shot.’ So here I am, 11 years later.”

As much as Nayo’s father encouraged her to study jazz when was still a preteen prodigy, he was not wild about the thought of her abandoning a promising career at the Charles Schwab Corp. for a far more challenging career in jazz.

NAYO JONES LIVE AT THE KERR CENTER

CD RECORDING

“She started working with me during holidays,” Doc recalls. “And she said, ‘Daddy, I think I want to do this for a living.’ So, of course, I tried to convey to her that it’s good during these times of the year, the holidays, but sometimes it gets kind of tough out there. And you’ve got a job that’s paying you six figures. I think you’d better think about this here.

“Charles Schwab had her on the fast track so that she would have been able to retire at 35 and never work another day in her life. All she had to do was give Charles Schwab 15 years at the pay she was at. And she would have been set for the rest of her life. But she had already decided by then. And she wouldn’t have been able to do both, not at the pace I move at. I do this 24/7. You gonna play music? You’ve gotta play music.”

Since launching her career in Phoenix, Nayo has relocated to New Orleans, where she performs in the annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and tours the country with the Kermit Ruffins band. But she’s back in the Valley to join Doc Jones in celebrating International Jazz Day at Cityscape on Thursday, April 30. She also will share a stage with Azar Lawrence, a world-renowned composer, arranger and saxophonist who’s been a sideman to Miles Davis, McCoy Tyner, Freddie Hubbard and Woody Shaw.

Article with Collage #2

NIK WEST

Soweto Gospel Choir wins third Grammy Award

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FENDER MAKE HISTORY

GRAMMY AWARD WINNER DIRECTOR MILTON DINILOXOLO NDLAKUSE

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Pilani Bubu Life is about these dualities, in the words if Khalil Gibran, sorrow is your joy unmasked. Your joy is determined by how much sorrow you can surpass.

In essence, we are all Warrior’s of Light, reflecting Gods glory through our strength, revealing and uncovering our own revelations. They say that what is personal is public, but sharing our stories, or bringing them to the light helps others and in my case, I hope that my stories will enlighten and encourage others to live well (as my name instructs – Pilani).

3. Where are you from?

I was born in a small town called Mthatha in the Transkei, however I am Pondo, from Eastern Pondoland, by my fathers lineage.

I left the Eastern Cape at

age 11, to come to boarding school in Johannesburg. And my parents then moved to Pretoria in 1998 and we have made Pretoria home since then.

4. How did your curi-

osity in music come about?

When I was about 8/9 years old, my twin sister and I could not stop singing.

We loved school assembly or going to Chapel every morning. We would come home in the evenings and take turns in singing to school hymnbook back to back.

We then started laying the recorder and marimba’s with the ensemble at school. I took up piano lessons and joined the school choir.

We also played the violin and in the Step Youth Orchestra and Johannesburg Youth Orchestra. Sung in four different groups in and out of school all through high school. We haven’t stopped singing or picking up instruments ever since.

I wrote my first song when I was 9 years old and many since. I used to be obsessed with guitar and my Dad bought me my first guitar after that my first keyboard.

I guess something in him believed in the artist in me. Because he also bought me my first canvas, easel and paint brushes around the same time.

5. A degree in Bcomm: Law, Marketing & Business Management from University Of Pretoria; a certificate in Marketing Research Principles from Georgia University.

Was music always inevitable as you also studied Musical Theatre at the New York Film

Academy?

Music was inevitable. I was side tracked by the usual societal conditioning around survival and security. And the image people create around struggling artists. So my parents insisted I study something that I can earn from.

And I always thought of music as a gift and should be given as gift, and didn’t want it to be the thing that brings the bacon home. Until I realized, if I don’t take it professionally, I won’t make it professionally.

6. Not every parent understands when one wants to pursue what they are passionate about. Does your family support you and your career choice?

They are 100% supportive.

And have come to realize our life’s work as a musical family.

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Apiwe Bubu

Article with Collage #2

Producer/Songwriter, Engineer, DJ a genius from South Africa

by Kaelin Bass,

Apiwe Bubu, now a California resident in Los Angeles, is “pursuing a path of relentless and rigorous music making consisting of songwriting, music production, mixing and dj’ing.” as he puts it in a recent interview.

Apiwe Bubu was born and raised in South Africa. In high school, he began classical piano training at St Barnabas College in Johannesburg. Apiwe Bubu went on to graduate (cum laude) from Berklee College of Music in Boston where he earned a dual major bachelor’s degree in Contemporary Music Writing , Music Production and Engineering, with a minor in Writing Music for TV and New Media.

“Berklee College of Music has put him in a unique position with a command of professional and creative techniques key to the success of any business in the entertainment field”, says noted Grammy Award winning record producer/engineer Tony Maserati (Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Robin Thicke) Apiwe Bubu has worked in television media as a junior music composer and has written for music libraries such as the Urban Rhythm Factory(SA) His first original theme song was viewed on the popular TV show How To (Wenza Kanji) on SABC1 in 2004 his first TV theme song sync. In addition he has worked in radio sound design and production at Sonovision Studios as a sound engineer/designer focusing on the creation of radio jingles/adverts. Apiwe Bubu also wrote and produced music for the SAMA (South African Music Award) 2011 winning (Best Adult Alternative African) album “Nomisupasta” by Nomsa Mazwai, and has traveled and performed with various theatrical and musical groups in countries such as Spain, Norway, the US, Ethiopia and Mozambique.

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Apiwe Bubu is a multi-award winning South African musician

Apiwe Bubu also wrote and produced music for the SAMA (South African Music Award) 2011 winning (Best Adult Alternative African) album “Nomisupasta” by Nomsa Mazwai, and has traveled and performed with various theatrical and musical groups in countries such as Spain, Norway, the US, Ethiopia and Mozambique.

He’s also recently worked as music producer and audio engineer under the renowned mix engineer/ producer Tony Maserati under his umbrella production company Mirrorball Entertainment in which he was a critical component of Maserati’s’s mixing work on Grammy winning/nominated albums such as Beyonce’s Lemonade, Keith Urban’s Ripcord and Gallant’s Ology.

One thing that makes Apiwe Bubu’s skills,style and taste unique also is the jazz piano tutelage he received for four years whilst in South Africa from the respected and award winning South African jazz pianist Andile Yenana who has made an indelible mark on many South African and international artists, including hip hop star Joey Badass who has sampled his work.

Apiwe Bubu is currently working on a few projects, mixing and/or producing music for Bridgit Mendler, Adam Friedman, Kate Fay, and Taz Zavala. Of these he says “working on these projects is exciting as some are nearing completion for release

or released already, seeing and being a part of their development is great.”

“I am also constantly DJ’ing in and around LA at private events/parties, such as Snoop Dogg’s thanksgiving celebration in his home, to venues in Hollywood like St Felix, Mama Shelter, and Silverlake’s Tenants of the Trees.” said Apiwe Bubu.

Apiwe Bubu performed at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival headlined by Stevie Wonder, this past April 28, on keyboard with the musically renowned Batiste Fathers and Sons on the Acura Main Stage. That show was followed by a featured performance on the Creole Queen Paddlewheeler in along with his sisters, international folk soul and jazz singers Pilani Bubu and Ezile Bubu under the theme ‘South Africa Meets New Orleans on the Mississippi’.

When Apiwe Bubu isn’t booked for a dj gig, he’s in his music studio songwriting, recording, producing and/or mixing. Sounds like he has a lot on his plate and a lot to offer.

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Article with Collage #2

Legendary drummer, Lucky Thobela

His backyard is the longest running weekly Jam Sessions in Soweto

This is a jam session for the hardcore music lovers.

Tuesdays in Soweto means Souwbona Music Jam time.

Legendary drummer, Lucky Thobela has turned his yard into one of the longest running weekly Jam Sessions in Soweto. Artists from all over come together and bounce music off each other and make new sounds.

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VOLUNTEER IN SOUTH AFRICAN 5TH-GRADE STUDENTS FROM OOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WITH HIS EXCELLENCY AMBASSADOR MNINWA MAHLANGU AT THE SOUTH AFRICAN EMBASSY AFTER THEIR FINAL PRESENTATION. Publisher’s choice

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Musical Exchange: South Africa Reflection South African jazz musicians will perform side-by-side with VCU In December 2013, six young songwriters traveled to South Africa, collaborating with fellow young musicians and performing at the CDMA Route 40 Music Festival. The trip was the culmination of Carnegie Hall’s Musical Exchange Songwriter Search, a contest in partnership with the Casterbridge Music Development Academy and the Rock School Scholarship Fund. The winners were selected by world-renowned artists, including Dave Matthews, Wayne Kramer (MC5), Vicki Peterson (The Bangles), and acclaimed South African singer-songwriter Vusi Mahlasela. The contest took place on Musical Exchange, Carnegie Hall’s global online community for young musicians, which also served as the home of a six-week songwriting project leading up to the trip.

In the following, five of the winners reflect on their experiences and growth through the program and while in South Africa.

“Still Working & Committed to Connecting Phx AZ with South Africa

ArticleTHIS with Collage #2 WIN

IS FOR THE WORLD WHO SUPPORT S.A

The Soweto Gospel Choir was formed to celebrate the unique and inspirational power of African Gospel music

Soweto Gospel Choir wins a Grammy!

Milton (Diniloxolo Ndlakuse), producer/musical director of Freedom, shared an exclusive message with People magazine for all their fans in SA and beyond: “With the nation commemorating Nelson Mandela’s centenary in various ways, we the Soweto Gospel Choir, found it fitting to revive the memories of our people, about the immense sacrifice and contribution they made towards liberation – by reviving some of the more popular struggle songs, lest we forget.

“With this Grammy win, we would like to thank our friends in SA and around the world, for their continuing support and prayer for us.

“Thank you immensely to our President (Cyril) Ramaphosa for a message of blessings in our album.

This win is for all of you!”

“The Grammy Award winning album Freedom was recorded in June 2018 as part of the group`s tribute to the 100 Years of Mandela celebrations. It features a selection of South African struggle songs including their scintillating version of Johnny Clegg`s poignant Asimbonanga, the group said in a statement.

“The album was released in the United States where the group have just completed a highly successful three-month tour. Further tours are planned for 2019 including an Australasian tour

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scheduled for July through September, and locally, a performance at this year’s Cape Town Jazz Festival in March.”South Africa’s Soweto Gospel Choir has done us proud, with a 3rd Grammy win for their album Freedom in the World Music Award Category – beating nominees Seun Kuti from Nigeria, Bombino from Niger, Fatoumata Diawara from Mali, and Soviet’s Yiddish Glory.

The Best World Music Album is for albums containing at least 51 percent playing time of new vocal or instrumental world music recordings. Other nominees included Nigerian musician Omara “Bombino” Moctar; Malian musician Fatoumata Diawara; and Nigerian musicians, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80.

This was the Soweto Gospel Choir’s fifth nomination in this category and they have won the award a total of three times.

The SGC had been previous Grammy winners in 2007 and 2008. hoir Master and founding member Shimmy Jiyane, Musical Director Diniloxolo Ndlakuse (aka “Milton”), General Manager Mulalo Mulovhedzi and administrator Mary Mulovhedzi represented the 46-member choir at the 61st annual Grammys in Los Angeles.

South Africa’s Soweto Gospel Choir has done us proud, with a 3rd Grammy win for their album Freedom in the World Music Award Category – beating nominees Seun Kuti from Nigeria, Bombino from Niger, Fatoumata Diawara from Mali, and Soviet’s Yiddish Glory.

By Breakfast with Martin Bester

We Salute you Milton Diniloxolo Ndlakuse

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