This year, the search was to find South Africa’s super jazz band. Through a partnership with Vodacom, subscribers to Vodacom Video Play can now meet the band by watching the 10 episodes, with the first episode now airing since November 14.
In this year’s format, the winning band members are musicians from four categories: Drum and Bass, Guitars and Keys, Horns and Brass, and Vocals.
The competition phase of Emirates Pursuit of Jazz consisted of 16 musicians from each category audition for a chance to be a part of the Super Band, which was shortlisted to the top 24 battling it out for a chance to showcase their talent across the region. The final super jazz band, now consisting of eight band members, will receive a UMG record deal and a chance to tour around South Africa to showcase their talent. They will also receive a trip to Dubai on board Emirates.
“When we launched the Emirates Pursuit of Jazz last year, the response was tremendous, and the competition resonated with our audience who are passionate about jazz.
This year, we wanted to build on the groundswell of support we have received, and celebrate the incredible talent in South Africa’s jazz music scene, with a full-fledged band. We aspire to connect with South Africa and its communities in a meaningful way, bringing them closer to family and friends across the globe and with this competition, we are bringing them closer to their dreams and music goals”, said Fouad Caunhye, Regional Manager, Emirates Southern Africa.
The 10 episodes, will see returning judge Brenda Sisane; Broadcaster and Social Entrepreneur and new judges; Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse; South African music legend, Nothemba Madumo; Television and broadcast presenter and Zwai Bala; Musician and introducing the Emirates Pursuit of Jazz – Super Band musicians and winners which include Tino Demba on Drums, Menziwa Macala on Bass, Thembelihle Ndunjana on Keys, Al Du Toit on Guitar, Simon Nyivana on Saxophone, Sakhile Simani on Trumpet, and vocals are Mapua Mahlo and Gamelihle Ngongoma.
“Emirates Pursuit of Jazz once again presented us with another rare opportunity to find talented musicians of a legacy genre that has shaped the music scene for over a century. The change in format for the season 2 competition presented us with eight talented individuals as the winning band who will represent South Africa’s rich jazz scene locally, and we look forward to working with the talented band members on their single offering,” says Lebo Kgothadi, Senior Manager: Brands and Partnerships, UMG.
Emirates Pursuit of Jazz will release episodes on Vodacom Video Play for the people of South Africa to stream and get to know the winning jazz musicians and their journey. Fuelled by their passion for music, viewers will get a glimpse into who they are, where they come from, and how they fit into the super band. Watch as their story unfolds every week.
Vodacom subscribers can download the Video Play app or access it from the website www.videoplay.co.za.
The Emirates Pursuit of Jazz series is available now until mid-December 2019.
Image SLM ( 2018 joint winners of the inaugural Emirates Pursuit of Jazz- Siya Charles (left) and Giyani born Gally Ngoveni).
