Cape Town’s musical pace is pretty laid back and leisurely compared to the wild and woolly music scene of Johannesburg. Nonetheless, a remarkable amount of high quality music is produced there, especially by jazz artists. Cape Jazz is, in fact, the city’s greatest musical legacy, and a South African treasure. Cape Jazz has in its own way made the city the New Orleans of South Africa. It had its roots in the 1920s and grew in spite of a conservative political environment. It borrowed from American and European innovations, but developed into a sound that is distinctly Cape Town’s.

Dollar Brand and Friends

One of Cape Town’s greatest jazz legends is Abdullah Ibrahim, who went by the professional name Dollar Brand before his conversion to Islam. He was born and raised in Cape Town’s District Six, and emerged on the music scene as an extraordinarily gifted pianist and composer. His work is a spellbinding mixture of African, American, and Cape Muslim idioms. Other Cape Jazz greats include three saxophonists: Winston “Ngozi” Mankunku, Robbie Janson, and the late Basil Coetzee; bassist Spencer Mbadu, guitarist Errol Dyers, and pianist Hotep Galata. Young stars who are carrying on the tradition include pianist Paul Hanmer, whose subtle, mellow artistry defies verbal description; and guitarist Jimmy Dludlu, whose sense of cool when he is on stage is infectious. Music lovers visiting the city should take the opportunity to see them live to really experience their musical genius.

The Beat Goes on in Studios

Of course, not everybody will have the opportunity to hear these artists live. For those who do, recordings are the only way to relive the experience at home. Several adventurous independent recording studios have sprung up around the city. They have been producing not only cutting edge jazz, but also hip-hop and the gritty South African urban underground sound, kwaito. Melt2000 is the most innovative and intelligent of the established labels. Their titles, and those of the other studios, can be purchased in Cape Town music stores or ordered through them. These albums make fantastic souvenirs and gifts.

Cape Town Music – “Must Have” Recordings

For any serious music lovers, jazz fans in particular, who want a comprehensive collection of the best of the Cape Town music scene, the following albums are essential: Monwabisi by Basil Coetzee, Operation Lahlela by Dantai, Essence of Rhythm by Jimmy Dludlu, African Princess of Pop and Memeza by Brenda Fassie, Trains to Taung by Paul Hamner, African Market Place by Abdullah Ibrahim, Nomad Jez by Robbie Jansen, Crossroads by Winston Mankunku, Ghetto Code by Prophets of Da City, Sondelani by Ringo, and Afterlife Satisfaction by Springbok Nude Girls.

The Cape Town International Jazz Festival

Visitors to Cape Town can hear Cape Jazz played by both famous artists and emerging musicians at many venues throughout the city at any time of year. But the very best place to hear both local artists and international stars is the city International Jazz Festival. This great celebration of jazz music dates back only about ten years, when it was established as a counterpoint to the renowned North Sea Jazz Festival. Since then it has become world famous in its own right. Besides showcasing local talent, the Cape Town festival has attracted such stars as Herbie Hancock and Courtney Pine. The festival is held every year on the last weekend in March.

Author Bio: Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

Category: Travel
Keywords: Cape Town