The Arts & Culture Department of the University of Johannesburg has declared the UJ Weekend of Jazz revival, scheduled at the UJ Art Centre from August 29 to August 31, 2024.
An unforgettable evening that you will certainly not want to overlook, the festival will feature Mandla Mlangeni as the headliner, with performances by Gabi Motuba and Keenan Meyer to follow.
Mandla Mlangeni, an accomplished jazz trumpeter, composer, and bandleader, engages in a discussion about the role of jazz in supporting meaningful causes to sustain the arts within our community. He is recognized for his exceptional talent, particularly highlighted by his album “Oratio of a Forgotten Youth,” which was released in May 2023.
Gabi Motuba is a distinguished South African jazz vocalist, composer, and music educator who has received numerous awards for her contributions to the field. She pursued her studies at Tshwane University of Technology, a prominent institution in South Africa, where she specialized in jazz studies and earned her bachelor’s degree. Throughout her career, she has released a variety of albums that span genres from jazz to avant-garde and experimental music. Notable works include her debut album, Tefiti-Goddess of Creation, released in 2018, the duo album Sanctum Sactorium featuring Swiss Pianist Malcolm Braff in 2015, and The Wretched, a collaborative sonic exploration inspired by Frantz Fanon’s literary work, released in 2020.
Gabi Motuba adeptly navigates the roles of performer and sound artist, which has facilitated numerous collaborative projects internationally. In 2021, she partnered with German sound artist Coila Enderstein during her residency at the Goethe Institute, co-composing the experimental piece The Violence of Care. In 2022, she was chosen to join the music cohort of the Mutual Mentorship for Musicians program, established by American jazz vocalist Jen Shyu. Currently, Gabi is in the process of creating her second album, The Sabbath, which is composed of string instruments. She is also a fellow at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and teaches music at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.
Keenan Meyer is a distinguished pianist and composer from South Africa, celebrated for his enthralling performances and creative compositions. He was born and raised in Johannesburg, where his musical journey commenced early in life, allowing him to engage deeply with the vibrant and varied cultural environment of his country.
In addition to the performances, the event will showcase Gabi Motuba as she launches her album, The Sabbath, alongside the debut of Keenan Meyer’s EP, Reawakening.
Using her unique voice and a deep love for narrating stories through music, Gabi Motuba is poised to give a performance that will be remembered.
In 2024, Meyer, the artist-in-residence for UJ Arts & Culture, will present selections from his latest seven-track EP, titled Reawakening, which he recorded during the first half of this year while fulfilling his residency.
Tickets for the UJ Weekend of Jazz can be purchased here(link is external).