Iconic South African Jazz Idols reunite at Emperors Palace

Iconic South African Jazz Idols reunite at Emperors Palace

 

The Jazz Epistles were South Africa's earliest most influential Jazz (bebop) band.  This was an all-black, all esteemed band of young, swaggered men consisting of these world-famous names. Abdullah Ibrahim (then known as Dollar Brand)  on piano, Hugh Masekela  on trumpet, Jonas Gwangwa on trombone, Kippie Moeketsi – on alto saxophone, Johnny Gertze  on bass, Makaya  Ntshoko  and Early Mabuza  on drums.

The band was in full swing in the 1960s, the height of terror on the black man. These gentlemen were young, smart, creatives and jazz- cool. After time and a lot of heated practice, they emerged as a resistant, anti-apartheid music group. Jamming into the late and fuzzy nights on the streets of Sophiatown, especially at the Jazz at the Odin Club, they morphed into the legendary Jazz Epistles. Their adoring fans were mesmerized by their yellows, blues and reds resonating as the piece strolls, swims, dips and swings. Their music filled the dusty streets of the townships and fired the hearts of the youth who were adamant to stand-up for a South Africa that is free and fair. The electric high-life of the Jazz Epistles was short-lived after a group spat.

After years in exile and liberated South Africa it is only now in 2016; for the first time in 60 years that these two iconic jazz instrumentalists and South African global jazz ambassadors; Abdullah Ibrahim and Hugh Masekela will reunite and perform on one stage in solidarity and recognition of all those who were a part of the historical 1976 youth march, the Jazz Epistles are reuniting to celebrate the 40^th year anniversary of the June 16 and 22 years of South Africa’s democracy. These two human rights activists, apartheid fighters and global icons have seen it all. Their music has played a huge role in liberating South Africa from apartheid and continues to influence the global jazz landscape.

“The last time Adbullah and I played as the Jazz Epistles was in 1960.We look forward to this concert and pay tribute to the Jazz Epistles. We are plotting secrets and happy surprises for our audience. We are calmly excited and greatly looking forward to sharing the stage after such a long time.” enthuses Hugh Masekela

For 2 nights ONLY on June 15^th and 16^th these legendary icons will be joined by EKAYA JAZZ BAND. They  will each perform their individual sets on stage at Emperors Palace, Centre Court Arena in the Convention Centre  and then collaborate in a much anticipated never been experienced grand finale. They will time travel into the nostalgia and perform together; however this time, in a modern and colourful South Africa they could have only dreamt of in their days together.

Tickets are available from R480 and can be purchased through the Emperors Palace Box Office on                                         011 928 1297/1213, or by visiting www.emperorspalace.com or www.ticketpro.co.za.

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