August 28, 2006
By Ndaba Dlamini
THE advent of spring means sunshine and warmer days – and the annual Jazz on the Lake, a feast of music-making at Zoo Lake.
The day-long concert, part of the Johannesburg Arts Alive International Festival, takes place on Sunday, 3 September, with a line-up of South Africa's finest established and up-and-coming musicians sharing the stage with overseas performers.
Jazz on the Lake is a free event and revellers are encouraged to bring picnic baskets, umbrellas and camping chairs.
Some of the artists set to perform at the Lake
This year's festival features international band Daisy from Sweden. Daisy – Joakim Rolandson on saxophone, Thommy Larsson on drums and Peter Janson on bass – is one of Sweden's most interesting and original bands, blending furious energy with sensitive romance and disciplined teamwork in original compositions. Daisy has been nominated for the "Jazz in Sweden" award and has performed at international festivals in France, Estonia and Iceland.
Local musicians include Mimi Ntenjwa, a University of Cape Town graduate who is making waves in the South African music arena. Ntenjwa has performed at functions locally and internationally and including a performance in Italy at the 10th Year of Democracy Celebration for South Africa.
She was also selected as vocalist for the Standard Bank National Jazz Band in Grahamstown in 2004. The band performed at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in 2005 and held concerts and performances in Johannesburg.
Nominated for a South African Music Award (Sama) in May this year, pianist Sylvester Mazinyane is bound to capture many a soul's heart. He has performed extensively in South Africa and abroad, and has played with jazz greats like Sibongile Khumalo, Gloria Bosman, Jimmy Dludlu and Zim Ngqawana.
One of South Africa's finest saxophonists, McCoy Mrubata, will be a highlight at Jazz on the Lake, with his 14-piece big band ensemble, Brasskap. Known for his first collection album Best of the Early Years, Mrubata has gained recognition internationally, having performed at the Nordic Black Theatre in Oslo. His album, Face the Music won him a 2003 Sama in the category of Best South African Traditional Album.
Also thrown into the musical fray is the powerful voice of Nokukhanya Dlamini, a young woman who has backed many of the country's musicians. She was member of the gospel group, Family Factory and her magnificent voice has earned her the attention of many on the South African music scene. She has backed Sibongile Khumalo and Gloria Bosman and released an album of her own in 2005 entitled Tribute to You.
The duo Masauko Chipembere and Neo Muyanga of Blk Sonshine is set to add a little spice to the mix with songs like Born in a Taxi, Crazy, I Won't Talk and Building.
Also adding flavour to the jazz cuisine is Vusi Khumalo, one of South Africa's most accomplished musicians. As drummer, percussionist and composer, he is known for his work on Paul Simon's seminal Graceland album and subsequent world tours, and for performances with Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela.
The concert starts at 10am.
As a security measure, officers from the Parkview and Rosebank police stations will keep an eye on the proceedings. No alcohol will be permitted into the concert grounds.
Road closures around Zoo Lake will be effected on the day and residents can refer here for a map [PDF: 1Mb]. Johannesburg Zoo will close on the day and re-open on 4 September.
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