Cape Town, 15 February 2019 – The Cape Town International Jazz Festival’s (CTIJF) annual uMculo Wam master class will feature established singers Ntsika Ngxanga and Lebo Sekgobela in Langa, together with headline-grabbing Moonchild in Athlone, on March 28.
uMculo Wam, which means ‘my music’, is the CTIJF’s way of ensuring growth of the local music industry. It is designed to bring aspirant musicians closer to established stars through sharing their experiences to help others along their path.
The master class also shines light on the business side of the music industry, with its participants usually drawn from higher education facilities, the workshop’s host neighbourhood and the general public.
The expected outcome is the inspiring sharing of knowledge, skills and culture in an intimate session with performing and recording artists. Its intention is to help participants make informed choices and help them get the right start in the music industry.
Celebrating 20 years of the CTIJF, festival director Billy Domingo believes strongly in leaving behind a musical legacy through the festival, dubbed Africa’s Grandest Gathering.
“We need to look beyond the festival weekend. We need to make sure we have exceptional artists performing at this festival 20 years from now. This is our way of helping that dream come true,” says Domingo.
“We know there is a hunger for information about the music business. Young people want to know who to contact about their music. They want to know how the industry works. We make it real for them because they meet people that they usually would only see on TV. So, what better way than to speak directly to some of our country’s best talents for guidance?”
Of the three master class guest artists, Moonchild is the youngest and she is thriving in a world where social media is connecting stars with fans by the minute. Her outspoken personality and dance floor hits have popularised her presence on the local pop culture scene. She will expand on how she handles it all during her session at the Cape Music Institute, Athlone Stadium, in Athlone from 10:30 to 12:30.
Thereafter Ngxanga and Sekgobela, both multi award-winning artists, will lead the conversation at the Guga S’Thebe Theatre in Langa from 13:30 to 15:30.
Ngxanga, one of the lead singers of successful local band The Soil, will have plenty to share as he has also recorded music as a solo artist. This means he has to juggle between representing the band and focusing on his solo career. No doubt, this session will offer valuable insights to industry followers.
Gospel singer Sekgobela will meanwhile be able to reflect on what it is like recording in one of South Africa’s biggest music genres. While pop music is mostly heard on commercial radio stations, gospel music has a massive local following. This makes it a sure path to career and financial success.
Official sponsors of the 20th annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival are the Department of Arts and Culture, Independent Media, AYO Technology Solutions, and Host City, the City of Cape Town. Other sponsors include Coca Cola, Johnnie Walker, 1Magic, Cape Town Fashion Festival and destination partner Wesgro.
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