The KZN Provincial Government proudly hosts the 10th instalment of the Durban Jazz Festival which has become a permanent fixture in the Durban social scene.
This illustrious festival began in 2002 as means to celebrate the art that is Jazz music in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Over the years, the Durban Jazz Festival has attracted major names in the Jazz scene such as Oliver Mtukudzi, Hugh Masikela, Caphius Semenya, Jimmy Dludlu and Jonas Gwangwa.
The home of this event, for the past 9 years, has been the Hazelmere Dam which is situated in the north of Durban next to the surburb of Verulam thus the event is also affectionately known as the Hazelmere Jazz Festival among those that have attended in the past. This venue was carefully selected due to the ability of water in absorbing reverberation thus ensuring sound clarity that is free of echoes which is essential in staging live music events.
The Durban Jazz Festival has grown from only attracting a Durban based audience to attracting national and international Jazz lovers. In the previous years, an influx of festivalgoers from neighbouring African countries has been observed with countries like Zimbabwe, Swaziland and Mozambique including the event in their social calendars. This is due to the unique atmosphere that the festival offers; a picnic environment where festival goers are allowed to bring braai stands, gazebos and refreshment coolers into the venue thus creating a family-friendly environment.
This year marks the 10-year anniversary and nothing was spared in ensuring that this year’s instalment is bigger than life by introducing international R&B sensation Kenny Latimore, Senegalese hitman Ishmae Lo and Soshaoshaye from Kansas (USA) as headline acts. From our shores, big names such as Ringo, Caphius Semenya, Zonke, Siphokazi, Zakes Bantwini, Kelly Khumalo, Mafikizolo, Khaya Mthethwa, Malik, Swazi Dlamini, Zahara & Riot, Naima and Dorothy Masuka are billed to set the stage on fire. On the decks festival goers will enjoy entertainment from DJ Muntu, DJ Bongz among other local DJs. The event will be MC’d by Ukhozi FM’s Linda Sibiya, DJ Sgqemeza, Khetha Gwala and MaBlerh.
General access tickets at R200 and golden circle tickets at R350 are available now at all Computicket counters at Shoprite/Checkers stores countrywide. Gates open at 11am. Let the 26th of December 2012 be the day that you join us in celebrating 10 years of artistry.
