The UKZN Centre for Jazz and Popular Music will host a special preview concert on Wednesday 27 May, showcasing the outstanding student ensembles preparing to represent the university at two major festivals later this month. Audiences will experience an exciting evening of contemporary Jazz, Afrocentric rhythms, vocal excellence, and the Jazz band energy as the students present the repertoire they will perform at the prestigious Mandela Bay Jazz Legacy Festival in the Eastern Cape and the highly anticipated Jam in Mzansi: Africa Day Celebration in Durban.

The concert will feature performances by the UKZN Jazz Ensemble and the UKZN Pop Voice Ensemble, highlighting the depth of musical talent emerging from the UKZN School of Arts. The UKZN Jazz Ensemble is set to perform on 29 May at the Mandela Bay Jazz Legacy Festival’s University Jazz Schools Concert, alongside the Nelson Mandela University Jazz Ensemble and Wits University Jazz Ensemble, a platform celebrating Jazz institutions.

Trumpeter Phakamile Mtshali. Picture by Lindo Mbhele

The UKZN Pop Voice Ensemble will then take to the stage at Jam in Mzansi: Africa Day Celebration on 31 May at the Durban Botanical Gardens. Presented by Sompisi Events in partnership with Durban Tourism, the event will bring together celebrated Jazz artists and emerging performers in a vibrant celebration of African music and culture. This preview concert offers Durban audiences a unique opportunity to support the students before they embark on these important festival appearances and to experience the creativity, artistry, and energy that continue to define UKZN’s contribution to South Africa’s Jazz scene.

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 open at 17h00 and the concert starts at 17h30.