(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.