SA: UJ Weekend of Jazz returns on 29 August

The festival will be headlined by Mandla Mlangeni, followed by Gabi Motuba and Keenan Meyer.

“This bi-annual celebration serves as an intergenerational and accessible platform, where musicians and audiences of all ages come together to share their passion for the genre,” UJ Arts & Culture marketing manager Lakin Morgan-Baatjies said. “As it continues to grow, it remains dedicated to fostering a deeper appreciation for jazz and ensuring its legacy endures across generations.”

Aside from the performances, the event will also feature Gabi Motuba launching her album The Sabbath and the debut of Keenan Meyer’s EP titled Reawakening.

With a voice and a passion for storytelling through music, Gabi Motuba is set to deliver an unforgettable performance. “The Sabbath is a tribute to my late father and embodies the emotions of loss and healing,” Motuba said. The songs in the project are lamentations, evoking a state of melancholy that will resonate with anyone who listens.” 

Meyer, who is the UJ Arts & Culture’s 2024 artist-in-residence, will perform songs from his latest seven-track EP titled Reawakening, which was recorded in the first half of this year during his residency.

Meyer said: “The central theme of this work is protest: what it looks like, what it sounds like, what it feels like and where it leaves us, and its impact on us both personally and collectively through a sonic experience.”

The UJ Weekend of Jazz has established itself as a premier platform for jazz enthusiasts and newcomers alike, while fostering a deeper appreciation for jazz across generations.

Tickets for the UJ Weekend of Jazz can be purchased here.