(Xolisa
Dlamini. Pic by Thuligraphy Images)
Lovers of contemporary jazz were serenaded
by a predominantly female line-up of talented artists at the inaugural iMbokodo
Jazz Festival – in celebration of Women's Month. The event took place on August
12 at the N-Shed passenger terminal in the Port of Durban.
Organised by the South African Jazz
Appreciators Association (SAJAA) in association with iTheku Regional Jazz
Association (iTReJA), the iMbokodo Jazz Festival was a celebration of female
artists in the industry. Performers included Chantal Willie-Petersen, Xolisa
Dlamini, Spha Mdlalose, Lindiwe Maxolo, Nomfundo Xaluva, Umlazi Comtech’s UCee
Jazz Ensemble, Njabulo Nzuza, the Feya Faku Quartet and the UKZN Jazz Band
featuring music director and pianist Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane, vocalist Ayanda
Thango, bassist Dalisu Ndlazi, drummer Riley Giandhari and guitarist Nick
Pitman.
Included in the line-up were:
Xolisa Dlamini - One of South Africa’s most
soulful singers, she has recorded with Silaelo Selota, the Tehilla Praise
Family, Busi Mhlongo, Judith Sephuma, Ringo Madlingozi, Serio Diaz from Brazil,
Elie Kihonia from the Republic of Congo and Hanse Genzo from Australia, as well
as performed alongside Sibongile Khumalo, Themba Mkhize and Sello Galane,
Bhekumuzi Luthuli and Carlo Mombelli. She is a SAMA award nominee for her first
album Times which was nominated in
two categories for the best female composer and best contemporary album. She
was also nominated for the best contemporary jazz album category in the Metro
FM awards for her second album Afro blue.
Lindiwe Maxolo – a powerful vocalist with a
background in church music, who has demonstrated her diversity by performing in
India, Portugal, Greece and New Orleans.
Spha Mdlalose - Durban born jazz singer,
songwriter and voice over artist now living in Cape Town. To date, Mdlalose has
performed alongside Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Micasa, Oliver Mthukudzi, Neo Muyanga,
Zwai Bala, Sibongile Khumalo, Kabomo, Afrotraction, Monique Bingham, Ladysmith
Black Mambazo, US soul singers Allan Stone, Patti Austin, South African rapper,
HHP and many more. She was also on the second season of the international
singing talent search show, The Voice,
while working on her debut solo album.
“Our intention is to develop this festival
over time into Durban’s unique women-only jazz showcase, from organising to
production to artists, “said Mncedi Zulu, SAJAA Chairman.
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