The TransAtlantic Jazz Exchange (TAJE) Masterclass Series will present a cultural and educational experience to South Africa from Saturday February 15 to Tuesday March 11.
Featuring renowned jazz educators and musicians from South Africa and the United States, the series offers a blend of virtual and in-person workshops, public performances, and community engagements aimed at inspiring the next generation of artists.
Supported by the National Arts Council, the series will also highlight collaborative workshops at key South African music schools including IMAD in Cape Town, which will host sessions designed to foster creativity, mentorship, and cross-cultural dialogue.
The Masterclass Series line-up:
Rene McLean (USA): Digging Deep – The Concepts and Philosophy of Jackie McLean.
Ahmed Abdullah (USA): Insights into the Music and Philosophy of Sun Ra.
Melanie Dyer and Gwen Laster (USA): 20th and 21st Century African American String Improvisers.
Ron Scott and Simon Ndlovu (USA): Jazz for the Struggle and the Struggle for Jazz – Jazz as a Medium for Social and Political Advocacy.
Will Calhoun (USA): Rhythm Renaissance – Exploring the Global Rhythms That Shape Jazz.
Craig Harris (USA): Managing the Mask – Techniques for Harmonizing Melody and Rhythm in Performance.
This year’s series will highlight topics on the preservation of musical heritage, improvisation techniques, and the intersection of jazz with social and political movements.
Kojo and Antoine Roney, American jazz musicians and educators, will also be part of the Masterclass Series. During their residency, they will lead transformative workshops at South African schools, sharing their expertise with aspiring young artists. Known for their deep-rooted commitment to jazz and its role in storytelling and cultural connection, the Roneys will also perform alongside local musicians, such as Mark Fransman and Chantal Willie-Petersen, during public concerts.
For the full line-up, to register for workshops, or book tickets for concerts, visit www.transatlanticjazzexchange.org
