The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Centre for Jazz and Popular Music will host a drum showcase by music students that are prominent faces on the Durban and South African music scene on Wednesday 16 October.  The Centre has already successfully hosted bass, piano, saxophone, trumpet, and guitar showcases among some of the highlights for this year.

Participants include Tembisa born Kabelo Boy Mokhatla who has performed with the likes of Adam Glaser, Mabi Thobejane, Mandla Mlangeni, Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane and has jammed with the likes of Christian McBride and Lee Oskar.  He has performed in various festivals.  Kabelo first studied at the Moses Taiwa Molelekwa Arts Foundation before enrolling at UKZN.  Mokhatla recently performed at the prestigious Standard Bank Joy of Jazz and is the 2019 Standard Bank Young Band drummer.

Kabelo will perform two tunes, one by Salim Washington entitled “Oshun” and an original piece. He will be joined by Thabo Sikhakhane on trumpet, Salim Washington on saxophone, Nokwanda Nkala on tenor saxophone, Sibusiso Shabalala on piano, Giyane Shangase on upright bass, Samkelo Chamane on guitar and Andile Mosia on vocals.  Other participants include Phila Makhubo, Athenkosi Gcingca and Skhulile Sibisi who will present a well-loved jazz standard entitled “What is this thing called love”, and a drum and bass improvisation.

This concert is the last trio gig for the year, and the last of a series of instrumental showcases that took place this academic year.  All proceeds will go to the Ronnie Madonsela Scholarship.  Centre for Jazz and Popular Music is located at Level 2, Shepstone Building at UKZN Howard College Campus.  Cover charge is R80 for general admission, R50 for pensioners while students only pay R25.  Doors open at 17h30 and the show starts at 18h00.