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Saturday, May 13, 2017

FIRST SUNDAY SERENADE FOR IJE



(Omagugu Makhathini)

Catch the glorious Gloria Bosman and sweet songstress Omagugu Makhathini live at Durban’s BAT Centre tomorrow (May 14).

In the build-up to the much anticipated International Jazz Extravaganza (Durban ICC, June 17, 2017), the IJE will introduce three Sunday Serenades in May as preludes to the actual extravaganza: a showcase in celebration of some of South Africa’s most talented jazz artists. With IJE’s big-name line-up that includes Monty Alexander, Kurt Elling, Thandi Ntuli and Nduduzo Makhathini, lovers of all things soulful are in for an additional wave of jazz-induced goose bumps with the addition of the Sunday Serenades.

Kicking off the first of three Sunday Serenades is an all-woman line-up comprising the people’s darling, Gloria Bosman, along with renowned songstress, songwriter and lyricist Omagugu Makhathini, live at Durban’s BAT Centre.

This stellar performance is earmarked for tomorrow (Sunday, May 14, 2017) – coinciding with another special day on South Africa’s calendar, Mother’s Day.

“People of Durban, we heard the call and answered. By popular demand, we are proud to bring Gloria Bosman to the city of Durban,” says Sindile Xulu, CEO and President of the IJE. “She will be accompanied by the effervescent Omagugu Makhathini, who has firm roots in KwaZulu-Natal.

“We are particularly excited about this edition because it celebrates women in jazz and highlights the need to create equitable and meaningful opportunities for women in the arts in general, and jazz in particular.”

Needing no real introduction, Gloria Bosman is a multiple South African Music Award winner, Kora and Naledi Awards nominee, and a Standard Bank Young Artist (2000). A jazz, African, rock and gospel vocalist, Bosman has also made a name for herself as a producer, composer, vocal coach and presenter. Having taken inspiration from jazz legends such as Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Hugh Masekela and Oliver Mtukudzi, the talented Bosman has six solo albums to boast. Her contribution to the Sunday Serenades session will be a true celebration of womanity and female jazz prowess in its finest form.

Hailing from Nquthu, singer, songwriter, lyricist, vocal coach and choir conductor Omagugu Makhathini brings a new sound to jazz - just what Africa has been waiting for. Her love for music began in boarding school where she enjoyed singing in the school choir, and was inspired by her mother as they sang together in the church choir.

Not only is Makhathini a musician, but she also has a love for children and a passion for teaching. She started teaching jazz vocals and history of music part-time at The BAT Centre whilst studying music in Durban. After completing her studies, she taught contemporary singing and performance at The National School of Arts in Johannesburg. Her contribution to the Sunday Serenades is a voice which perfectly intertwines textures of rhythm, space, melody and harmony that explode into a rainbow of musical colours rippling from within to transport you into a spiritual journey.

“The IJE will donate all proceeds of the event to the BAT Centre, in support and recognition of the sterling work they do as an NGO. Each ticket bought is thus your contribution to the sustainability of this very important local and national institution,” explains Xulu.

“While the Sunday Serenades celebrate our jazz appreciation culture of Sunday jazz, these events also amplify the experience in other, equally significant ways. Each live entertainment session makes a direct economic injection to the local precinct and city by bringing in money and creating jobs for musicians, technicians, chefs, waitresses, bartenders and many other people,” he adds.

Catch the first of three Sunday Serenades tomorrow (May 14) at the BAT Centre, Durban, from 14h00 to 20h00. Tickets R150 at the door.

The second IJE is presented by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture and Durban Tourism, along with its association partner, Standard Bank Personal and Business Banking.

Tickets to the IJE are available at Computicket. For hospitality and corporate packages, please contact bookings@ije.co.za or visit www.ije.co.za for more information.