Jonas Gwangwa set to join Hugh Masekela & Abdullah Ibrahim on stage

Former member of The Jazz Epistles, Jonas Gwangwa will reunite on stage with the equally world-renowned Abdullah Ibrahim and Hugh Masekela . 

 This will see the 3 play together for the first time since their group spat in 1958. The reunion is set for the Centre Court ,Emperors Palace.

“This  meeting; in all senses  is long overdue. I am excited to reunite with Hugh and Abdullah .The last time I played with Abdullah was in 1958.I cannot wait to get on stage with them…my fellow two band members and create magic once again and relive special memories of our era” says Dr Jonas Gwangwa
The Jazz Epistles were South Africa's earliest most influential Jazz (bebop) band.  This was an all-black, all esteemed band of young, swaggered men consisting of these world-famous names.
Abdullah Ibrahim (then known as Dollar Brand)  on piano, Hugh Masekela  on trumpet, Jonas Gwangwa on trombone, Kippie Moeketsi – on alto saxophone, Johnny Gertze  on bass, Makaya  Ntshoko  and Early Mabuza  on drums.
The band was in full swing in the 1960s, the height of terror on the black man. These gentlemen were young, smart, creatives and jazz- cool.
After time and a lot of heated practice, they emerged as a resistant, anti-apartheid music group. Jamming into the late and fuzzy nights on the streets of Sophiatown, especially
at the Jazz at the Odin Club, they morphed into the legendary Jazz Epistles. Their adoring fans were mesmerized by their yellows, blues and reds resonating as the piece strolls, swims, dips and swings.
Their music filled the dusty streets of the townships and fired the hearts of the youth who were adamant to stand-up for a South Africa that is free and fair.
The electric high-life of the Jazz Epistles was short-lived after a group spat.
After years in exile and liberated South Africa it is only now in 2016; for the first time in 60 years that these THREE iconic jazz instrumentalists and South African global jazz ambassadors will reunite and perform on one stage in solidarity and recognition of all those who were a part of the historical 1976 youth march.
The Jazz Epistles are reuniting to celebrate the 40th year anniversary of the June 16 and 22 years of South Africa’s democracy. These  human rights activists, apartheid fighters and global icons have seen it all.
Their music has played a huge role in liberating South Africa from apartheid and continues to influence the global jazz landscape.
Tickets are available at Ticketpro from R480 to R1680 including hospitality packages.

 

 

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