The 2025 Journey to Jazz Festival will see Kesivan Naidoo and the Lights premiere their new work celebrating 30 years of democracy for the first time in South Africa, plus Tribe reunite for the first time in 25 years!
Yes, the wait is over – Journey to Jazz 2025 (J2J) has revealed the world-class artists who complete the line-up for this year’s festival. Festivalgoers are advised to secure tickets now because accommodation in Prince Albert is being snapped up faster than a bass solo at a late-night jam session.
Journey to Jazz tickets are available via Quicket. Prices range from R200 – R295 per person per performance – with full details on dates, times, and venues for each performance available here: Book Now.
Karoo spirit, jazz mastery
Building on the festival’s reputation for embodying the true Karoo spirit of music, hospitality, and warm welcome, the 2025 Journey to Jazz continues to attract a stellar line-up of jazz virtuosos. A key highlight will be Kesivan & the Lights who will present a groundbreaking commissioned work marking South Africa’s 30 years of democracy.
This special performance will be the first time this work is performed in South Africa, offering audiences an evocative, deeply immersive musical conversation reflecting on the highs and lows of this transformative era. The piece will pay tribute to some of the greatest South African jazz composers from the past three decades (and earlier), inviting listeners to experience the evolution of the country’s jazz landscape. See below for band line-up!
Naidoo will also reunite with some of his bandmates from Tribe – for the first time in 25 years – and welcome a new member. It is expected to be a delicious straight-ahead memorable set exploring the progression of their individual and joint styles, techniques and sound. J2J’s resident artistic director, Kyle Shepherd will also be bringing the notes to the festival with his Kyle Sheperd Trio.
J2J 2025 Featured Artists:
- Kesivan and the Lights– Led by the drummer Kesivan Naidoo, this band delivers high-energy, emotive jazz that pushes boundaries while paying homage to South African jazz greats. Naidoo is joined by Darren English – trumpet (SA), Charley Rose – sax (France), Fabio Gouvêa – guitar (Brazil), Bokani Dyer – piano (South Africa), and Joan Codina – bass (Spain)
- Kyle Shepherd Trio– One of South Africa’s leading jazz pianists, Kyle Shepherd blends Cape jazz traditions with innovative global influences. This performance heroes the trio’s latest release – A Dance More Sweetly Played – which has gained global acclaim.
- Tribe: The Reunion – A genre-bending jazz collective known for their fusion of African rhythms and contemporary jazz melodies. Kesivan Naidoo, Buddy Wells, Marks Fransman and bassist Steve de Souza steps in for Charles Lazar.
- The Heinrich Frans Duo (with Allou April)– A vocal and guitar collaboration between two of South Africa’s leading smooth, soulful jazz, funk and groove artists
- Nomadic Orchestra– A brass ensemble that fuses jazz with hip hop, afrobeat, ghoema, samba, ska, klezmer and various other sounds for a cohesive, high-energy performance
- El Corazon– Journalist, arts and culture writer, researcher, DJ and sound archivist Atiyyah Khan, will hit the decks to deliver a set that blends global jazz influences, deep vinyl cuts, and rhythmic storytelling, for an unforgettable sonic journey
- Karoo Jazz Project (KJP)– A homegrown band celebrating the unique jazz stylings of the Karoo, blending local influences with classic jazz tones under the direction of Ramon Alexander and Lynette Petersen who continue to encourage the genre in the Karoo region as organisers PACT, join them in searching for the next jazz-talent.
The People’s Concert – Opening Ceremony Acts
The festivities get underway on Thursday, 1 May 2025, with a free variety show – The People’s Concert, held in the Kritikom Koppie Theatre, a former disused and abandoned quarry, that has been lovingly restored by the town into a stunning amphitheatre. The concert showcases local talent from Prince Albert and the surrounding towns, as part of the capacity building aspect of J2J. It is always a highlight!
Performers on the line-up also include:
- Lainsburg Brass Band – who will lead the music procession to the Kritikom theatre (all are invited to join in)
- Karoo Blues – A unique fusion of Karoo blues and gospel harmonies that capture the soul of the region with lead singer Mr Blues, whose vocal prowess captures the hearts of all who hear him
- Zolani Youth Choir– The A Cappella, Zolani Youth Choir from Ashton in the Western Cape, has gained international fame by winning a prestigious music competition in Moscow, Russia
- Derek Hendricks & Slam JAM – Prince Albert local heroes with an impressive 32-year pedigree of entertainment that play a diverse range of genres, including disco, langarm, jazz, pop, and riel
- Prince Albert Vastrappers Riel Dancers– A mesmerising dance troupe keeping the traditional Riel dance alive, bringing vibrant energy and cultural heritage to the festival and who will perform at the opening party
- NSG Band – Nathan, Samuel and Gershwin, who are gospel keyboard players known for their energetic and lively sound, often featuring upbeat rhythms and catchy melodies
- Oom Tallie – a fusion of traditional African, Latin America and Caribbean rhythms with modern electronic and rock elements
- Claudia Hendricks – blending various genres, like, POP, R&B and SOUL.
For the full J2J line-up, see www.journeytojazz.co.za
What: Journey to Jazz Festival 2025 lineup
Where: Prince Albert, Western Cape
Info: www.journeytojazz.co.za
WS
