This year provides an opportunity to celebrate centenary occasions of two Jazz giants, Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Part of this Jazz Appreciation Month honours Jazz icons, ‘Miles and Trane @100: the impact of Miles Davis and John Coltrane on SA Jazz and culture”. The UKZN Centre for Jazz and Popular Music will host the Annual Jazz Vocal Showcase on Wednesday 15 April.

Andisa Ngubo, Andiswa Makhoba, Amahle Khumalo and Blessing Buthelezi. Picture supplied

The annual celebration of vocal Jazz spotlights the repertoires of Miles and Trane as Jazz voice lecturer, Debbie Mari guides the talented singers through iconic songs and improvised solos. Jazz enthusiasts can expect some Davis and Coltrane usuals such as “Moment’s Notice”, “Body and Soul” and “So What” along with other much loved Jazz standards, selections of South African music and a four-part vocal arrangement of the beautiful “Naima”, arranged by Scott Gwinnell, which promises something for everyone.

The concert features Lilongwe Mbutho, Sikelela Khulu, Amahle Cele, Blessing Buthelezi, Amahle Khumalo, Andisa Ngubo, Andiswa Makhoba, Sindiswa Motha and Blessing Mkila along with Neil Gonsalves on piano, Thuto Motsemme on bass and Riley Giandhari on drums. The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music is located at Level 2, Dennis Shepstone Building, Howard College Campus. Tickets are available through Webtickets or at the door. They are selling at R130 for general public, R100 for pensioners and R70 for students with a valid card. Doors will open at 17h00 and the concert starts at 17h30.