A mix of old and contemporary signature sounds, SA jazz cats join a multinational galaxy of stars at London Jazz Fest

Now in its 22nd year, the festival has become a milestone event on the global arts stage.

This year's top South African acts will be featured as part of the SA Season in the UK, a programme which is designed to showcase South African artists.

Minister of Arts & Culture Nathi Mthethwa says:

The SA-UK Seasons open up opportunities for a meaningful cultural exchange that will create networks to encourage job creation and economic self-reliance among artists. This is a continuation of a collaborative relationship that will ultimately put artists in the leading role of creating a more humane society and better world,

Two events not to be missed are the two talks themed South Africa 20 years on and The legacy of The Blue Notes . These feature panels of musicians and specialists discussing the impact of South African musicians exiled by apartheid on the British local scene and will take a musical journey of South Africa in the 20 years since democracy.

On the same day, the 24-piece Dedication Orchestra, will perform at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, fired by the whip-crack drumming of surviving band member, Louis Moholo-Moholo, and will also showcase the evocative sounds of Chris McGregor, Dudu Pukwana, Mongezi Feza and Johnny Dyani.

Celebrating his 80th birthday at the festival, legendary jazz pianist Abdullah Ibrahim will lead two groups at the festival, namely his charismatic sextet group Ekaya, with its unique township jazz sound, and a new trio with reeds player, Cleave Guyton, and Noah Jackson on cello.

Jazz flautist, Gareth Lockrane, will be showcasing some of his own original compositions and will also perform a specially arranged set aimed at reviving lost' compositions of the visionary South African pianist and composer, Bheki Mseleku.

Gareth Lockrane

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