GelezaKleva (township lingua for go to school buddy) and Learn is an initiative of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz in partnership with promoters T-Musicman, whose mandate is to host series of music workshops and master classes for young people and community members who have an interest in music.
Having begun in July 14 and 21, it wraps up on 28 Chiawelo Community Hall, Soweto.
Youth’s in three districts of Johannesburg, Diepsloot and Soweto (Chiawelo and Diepkloof) have been mentored by industry heavy-weights such as Sibongile Khumalo and Judith Sephuma, who have shared their all-round knowledge and skill, while Ernie Smith and Nomfundo Xaluva unpacked the skill of songwriting, among others.
Musician and educator, Concorde Nkabinde has been facilitating the Road to Standard Bank Joy of Jazz build up, for the second year in succession.
“For 17 years we have supported the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz. We are proud of the growth the event has achieved as well as the cultural and socio-economic impact it has on communities.
This impact has been evident in inspirational projects such as GelezaKleva”, says Hazel Chimhandamba, head of Group Sponsorships at Standard Bank.
“It is through a deliberate effort to develop our youth that in years’ to come will we reap a bountiful harvest of musical greats.
We are delighted to have artistic luminaries, government and institutional support to make this programme a reality”, quipped Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Executive Producer, Mantwa Chinoamadi.
The session comprises of advice on various music disciplines i.e. song writing, music composition, arrangement, playing music communally (bands and choirs), live performances, marketing their music, organising and managing musical events, and the business of music.
At time of publishing it was not known how many successful young musicians from the programme will form part of the JoJ festival.
The programme at Chiawelo begins from 08:00 to 15:00 on Thursday. Its for FREE. MAHALA. GRATIS!
Meanwhile, the annual JoJ takes place from September 15 to 17 at the Sandton Convention Center.
It features jazz exponent from Sibongile Khumalo, Jonathan Butler, Kahil El’zabar’s, Ringo, Judith Sephuma, Ranee Lee and others.
For complete line up, dates and tickets go to www. joyofjazz.co.za
