Johannesburg - The annual Durban Jazz Festival has made its long-awaited return to the KZN entertainment calendar after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Among the stars set to entertain enthusiasts on the jazz stage are Judith Sephuma, Thandiswa Mazwai, Mandisi Dyantyis, Selaelo Selota, Simphiwe Dana, Zahara, Shekhinah, and Ernie Smith, while at the DJ stage, music lovers will be getting down to selections by Oskido with Khaya Dladla, Oros, Zola Zeelovin, and Tha Simelane.
Mdu Ngcobo, the festival organizer, has promised a day of great music and fun at Hazelmere Dam on December 26, 2022.
"With all the Covid-19 restrictions and hard lockdowns, you are free to celebrate life again, and what a better way to celebrate it where the weather and atmosphere always permit," the event organiser said.
This year marks the festival's 20th anniversary, with 20 hours of live music and some of the country's top musicians performing in an ultimate outdoor music experience.
With a long-lasting partnership with the KZN Arts and Culture Department, the Tourism Department, and the Ethekwini Municipality, Ngcobo said the festival had become one of the country’s ultimate outdoor music and lifestyle experiences.
"Over the past 20 years the Durban Jazz (festival) has featured more than 400 artists, that’s creating jobs and putting food on the table for the Arts and Culture sector whilst driving Tourism in the Province," he said.
"This year’s instalment promises to host over 20 artists from South Africa, the rest of Africa, and the world. The cornerstone of the event will be a Tribute Golden Hour that will honour some of Africa’s internationally renowned jazz legends who have performed on the Durban Jazz Stage over the past years. These include but are not limited to the likes of Busi Mhlongo, Hugh Masekela, Oliver Mtukudzi, Ray Phiri, Robbie Malinga, and Sipho Gumede," he said.
The Star