The
Story of South African Jazz, the second volume of
the three-part book series about musicians talking about musicians, eras, and
influences, was launched at the Rivertown Contemporary Art Gallery with a free
live performance from South African Jazz Pioneers and Next Generation.
The launch was a multi-media event produced
in collaboration between The Story of
South African Jazz, self-published by Durban-born jazz journalist and
trumpeter, Struan Douglas through afribeat.com and Dumi Ginindza, founder of
Jazz Xpressions.
(Left: Lefina
Latha one of Durban's greatest female jazz singers at the Bat Centre 1996.
Photo by © Struan Douglas published in “Story Of SA Jazz Volume 1”)
“The
Story of South African Jazz is an important addition to the existing
research, resources and stories that have emerged from all over the region of
Southern Africa. This three-volume series is a book, research and oral history
project to document the beautiful story of South African jazz in an open,
inclusive, flourishing and accessible way. Volume one was launched in 2015 and
volume two will be launched in Durban and Johannesburg in December,” reports
ArtAfrica.
“From Mbaqanga to uMkhumbane, through
venues and initiatives such as the University of UKZN Jazz Department, Stable
Theatre and Rainbow Restaurant, and through the efforts of master musicians,
entertainers, producers, venue-owners and facilitators, jazz is richly nurtured
and enjoyed in the city of Durban, eThekwini,” says Douglas.
(Right: Dilon
Djindji Mapuoto. Performance at Marrabenta Festival 2019. Photo by © Struan Douglas published
in “Story Of SA Jazz Volume 2”)
The latest release of The Story of South African Jazz, Volume Two is set in 2018 and features
in-depth interviews with Living Legends Barney Rachabane, Charlie Sayers, Peter
Magubane, Tete Mbambisa and Madala Kunene, and looks at the rich musical
heritage from Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Port Elizabeth and
East London.
The
Story of South African Jazz is first and foremost a
textbook for music education. The vision is to provide a foundation for the
recognition of local jazz as a unique and inclusive urban expression from this
area of the world.
Volume One explained that The Story
of South African Jazz is open at both ends: Interviews with musicians,
enthusiasts and entertainers, combined with running commentary of lives lived
and learned through the lens of heart centred South African jazz musical
vibrations: The Story of South African
Jazz is a never-ending story harking upon the golden age of the 50s,
District six, Sophiatown and uMkhumbane, and the exiles and inxiles of the 60s
onwards.
For more information, contact: Struan
Douglas on 072 956 8134 or visit http://afribeat.com/
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