DRAKENSBURG JAZZ ENSEMBLE
( a music development program sustaining local artistic jobs and the value chain.)
Drakensberg Jazz Ensemble is formed to be a world class ensemble made up of development artists selected from uThukela District Municipality and its three local municipalities of uKhahlamba, Inkosi Langalibalele and Alfred Duma. The overall composition of the ensemble will be gender balanced with special preference to the youth and persons with disabilities.
The Drakensberg Jazz ensemble is a practical platform to foster the inclusion, integration and promotions of rural development artists into the mainstream jazz music culture by providing sustainable efforts for them to be nurtured and be provided with proven platforms to showcase their talents. The ultimate aim is to Develop a full Orchestra / Ensemble band that will be empowered to perform before national audiences such as “Jazz at the Berg” and other national and international platforms.
MEET THE BAND
JAZZ AT THE DRAKENSBERG FOUNDATION is proud to announce that, we have now formed our first Drakensberg Jazz Ensemble.
We made a call for aspiring artists and musicians, to apply to be trained and part of an exciting new Jazz Academy Project, where they have been training with multi award winning jazz icon – Ernie Smith.
- Lungelo Nzama – Illovu Amanzimtoti
- Nkosiyazi Makwakwa – Kwa Makwakwa, Jozini
- Thabani Sihle Kheswa – Ladysmith
- Luyandusapho Xaba – Ladysmith
- Mangaliso Nala – Ladysmith
- Jonathan Jarreau Naidoo – KwaDukuza
- Sphesihle Mkhize – eMolweni
The Jazz Academy Project is proudly brought to you by National Lotteries Commission and National Arts Council.
