Cape Town International Jazz Festival to Host Masterclasses

Music enthusiasts and aspiring musicians are gearing up for a day of inspiration and learning as the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) prepares to host a series of free-to-attend masterclasses at the prestigious Artscape Theatre Centre (Artscape) on Saturday, May 4th.

Sponsored by the global streaming platform Spotify, with support from Artscape and Ozow, these masterclasses promise to be an enriching experience for attendees, providing unique insights into the world of jazz music from renowned industry professionals. Admission to these masterclasses is free, offering a rare opportunity for individuals to engage with experts in the field.

The line-up of Cape Town International Jazz Festival Masterclass Instructors features a diverse array of talent:

Nduduzo Makhathini (SA) – Makhathini is a highly acclaimed South African pianist and composer known for his innovative approach to jazz music. Makhathini’s masterclass, is sure to offer invaluable guidance to aspiring musicians looking to hone their skills.

The Darshan Doshi Trio featuring Mark Hartsuch & Tony Grey (India/USA) – Led by the talented percussionist Darshan Doshi, this trio is known for its dynamic fusion of jazz, Indian classical music, and contemporary sounds. The masterclass is expected to offer a unique perspective on musical fusion and collaboration.

Yussef Dayes (UK) – Notable for his ground-breaking work as a drummer and producer, Yussef Dayes is set to share his expertise with attendees. His masterclass promises to be an engaging exploration of rhythm and improvisation.

Gretchen Parlato & Lionel Louke: The Art of the Duo (SA/Benin) – A masterclass on connection, interaction, composition for vocalist & instrumentalists from these multi-award-winning artists who will be performing “Lean In” – their first duo recording in 20 years – at the CTIJF. Gretchen has been Grammy-nominated in 2024 for Lean In in the Best Jazz Album of the Year category, so this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet and hear from these amazing artists – first hand.

Also hosting a special masterclass, is the series’ sponsor, Spotify, whose Phiona Okuma – Head of Music Sub-Saharan Africa, will lead a session on “Spotify for Artists”, along with Warren Bokwe – Lead, Music Strategy & Operations SSA, and Jodie Tabisher – Artist and Label Partnership Manager, South Africa. Together, they will provide attendees with valuable insights into the digital landscape of music distribution and promotion.

Tabisher says: “Spotify is excited to partner with the Cape Town International Jazz Festival for this masterclass programme, celebrating jazz while helping to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the genre’s rich history and vibrant future.”

South African jazz vocalist and businesswoman, Bev Scott-Brown will guide the sessions on the day, underlining that it’s a fantastic opportunity for individuals to learn from some of the most talented and innovative artists in the industry.

For Marlene Le Roux, the CEO of Artscape, hosting these educational and music appreciation sessions is at the core of Artscape’s mission to instil a love of the performing arts and to emphasise sustainable theatre practice, education, and development in the space.

“Jazz has become an integral artform presented at Artscape, with a special focus on developing young jazz musicians through our Youth Jazz Programme. We are delighted to partner with the Cape Town International Jazz Festival as host for a series of Jazz Workshops.” she says.

“It remains imperative that we continue to provide skills development within the Jazz genre to foster the investment of cultural democratization of our country.”

“Opportunities such as these remain a crucial stepping-stone that provides access to significant role players in the industry while providing skills development within the Jazz genre. This enables young Jazz musicians to take the experience forward into their careers and educate others in the process.”

Scott-Brown also noted the festival’s gratitude to Spotify, Artscape and Ozow for their support in making these masterclasses possible and for their commitment to fostering musical talent around the world.

The masterclasses will take place at The Arena, Artscape on Saturday, May 4th, starting at 09:00 with the doors opening from 08:00. Attendees are encouraged to register online to secure their spot, as seating is limited. Don’t miss this chance to learn from the best in the business and take your musical skills to the next level.

To book for the free Cape International Jazz Festival masterclasses, please register HERE.

For more information about the Cape Town International Jazz Festival and to view the full schedule of events, visit www.capetownjazzfest.com or book your tickets to see the show on Ticketmaster. Festival dates are 3 and 4 May with a free concert taking place in Greenmarket Square on 2 May from 16:00.

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