The TransAtlantic Jazz Exchange (TAJE) Masterclass Series will present a cultural and educational experience to South Africa from February 15 to March 11, 2025. Featuring renowned jazz educators and musicians from South Africa and the US, the series offers a blend of virtual and in-person workshops, public performances, and community engagements aimed at inspiring the next generation of artists.
Attend in person or via zoom.
Supported by the National Arts Council, the series will also highlight collaborative workshops at key South African music schools:
– Johnny Mekoa School of Music (Benoni)
– Tshwane School of Music (Pretoria)
– IMAD (Cape Town)
These schools, known for their commitment for nurturing talent in marginalized communities, will host sessions designed to foster creativity, mentorship, and cross-cultural dialogue.
A dedication to jazz education
With a stellar lineup of internationally acclaimed jazz musicians, the Masterclass Series offer participants a chance to explore diverse topics such as:
Rene McLean (USA): “Digging Deep – The Concepts & Philosophy of Jackie McLean.”
Ahmed Abdullah (USA): Insights into the Music and Philosophy of Sun Ra.
Melanie Dyer & Gwen Laster (USA): “20th & 21st Century African American String Improvisers.”
Ron Scott & 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 also spotlight topics on the preservation of musical heritage, improvisation techniques, and the intersection of jazz with social and political movements.
The full schedule of TransAtlantic Jazz Exchange sessions is available here.
Bringing jazz to the people
The Masterclass Series is further enriched by the presence of Kojo and Antoine Roney, inspiring American jazz musicians and educators. 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 during public concerts. Their work promises to leave a lasting impact on students and audiences alike.
The Experience the Music public concerts featuring Kojo and Antoine Roney as well as Mark Fransman and Chantal Willie-Peterson will complement the educational workshops. These take place at:
- Cape Town at Joseph Stone Auditorium on the 7 February 2024
- McGregor at Villa Wahnfried on the 8 February 2025
- Johannesburg at the University of Witwatersrand on the 15February
These performances aim to unite communities through the healing power of music, featuring collaborations between U.S. and South African artists.
This series is not just an event; it’s a movement to make jazz more accessible, to inspire creativity, and to connect people across continents through shared rhythms and stories.
Learn more and get involved
For those passionate about jazz, education, and cultural exchange, this is an unique opportunity, not to be missed. Explore the full lineup, register for workshops, or book tickets for concerts by visiting www.transatlanticjazzexchange.org
What: TransAtlantic Jazz South Masterclass Series
When: 15 February – 11 March 2025
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