TransAtlantic Jazz Exchange

The TransAtlantic Jazz Exchange (TAJE) is dedicated to fostering artistic growth, promoting cross-cultural understanding, and creating lasting bonds between musicians from Africa and the African Diaspora. Through music, we bridge communities, celebrate diversity, and embrace the universal language of jazz. Since our non-profit organization started last year (2023-2024) we have successfully brought musicians from both countries together, allowing for cross-cultural explorations through playing, composing and teaching.

Master classes were held with South African award winner, multi-instrumentalist and composer Mark Fransman and his mentor, legendary American saxophonist, flautist, composer and educator, Rene McLean, at the prestigious University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, and the Jackie McLean Music Jazz Institute at the University of Hartford, USA. McLean and Fransman, who benefited from mentorship, shared with students practically, through playing the music from its aural traditions of the African diaspora.

Fransman’s university interactive workshop lectures were most informative as they related to South African culture. However, based on feedback, the students’ opportunity to perform with Fransman was a more rewarding experience. Inn New York City, Fransman played with jazz notables pianist Danny Mixon, Ravi Coltrane, Dick Griffin and Craig Harris. It is more engaging and memorable for students to witness musicians converse through their instruments. This visual, allows students to closely examine playing techniques, styles and experience the sensory perception of sound.