Jazz Journey: A Musical Exploration with Sabelo Mthembu

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Johannesburg’s music scene is set to come alive today, December 5th, with the launch of Jazz Journey 2024 at Freedom’s Kitchin in Bedfordview. This groundbreaking event series offers more than just music; it’s an exploration into the lives, artistry, and inspirations of some of South Africa’s most talented jazz musicians. Combining intimate live performances with thought-provoking discussions and a curated culinary experience, Jazz Journey promises to redefine how audiences experience jazz.

At the heart of this innovative series is the talented curator Sabelo Mthembu, whose passion for jazz and storytelling drives the project. The series aims to uncover the personal stories behind the music, exploring how the artists’ upbringing, values, and societal influences shape their work. This is not just a celebration of jazz but also an educational journey, triggering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the genre.

“The whole idea is to get to know the artist behind the music. Oftentimes, we get to know the music but not the person delivering it. Behind every performance are many factors—upbringing, societal influences, personal values, and belief systems—that shape how musicians write and perform their music. Jazz Journey aims to delve deeper into these influences, offering a fuller understanding of the artist and the factors that contribute to their art.”

The decision to focus on jazz stems from its deeply personal and intricate nature, setting it apart from more mainstream genres.

“Jazz carries a lot more of a personal experience. The way jazz musicians create their music is incredibly intricate and reflective of their inner lives. Unlike dance music, which is often driven by what the people want to hear, jazz is about what the artist needs to express. This makes jazz fascinating to explore because it’s full of substance. People who listen to jazz tend to have inquisitive minds, wondering about the influences and circumstances that led to a particular piece. Jazz opens the door to deeper discovery.”

Building the lineup for Jazz Journey required careful consideration of the artists who could embody its values.

“Kagiso Sebediela, who owns Freedom’s Kitchin, is the brains behind this concept. His vision was to combine the culinary experience with music. When it came to choosing the artists, we focused on those who have unique sounds and aren’t necessarily in the spotlight. Jazz Journey provides them with a platform to capture audiences and spark interest in their stories and music.”

Despite jazz’s rich heritage, the genre often struggles for attention in South Africa, which Sabelo attributes to a combination of miseducation and lack of representation.

“A lot of this has to do with miseducation or the lack of music education. At a grassroots level, there aren’t enough institutions focusing on jazz compared to other parts of the world. If you tell someone you want to study jazz, the first question is often, ‘How will you survive?’. Media representation is also lacking. Sometimes you’ll find non-jazz artists featured at jazz festivals simply to attract larger audiences. This dilutes the genre’s identity. But through projects like Jazz Journey, we aim to educate people about jazz and create an environment where the music and the artist can be truly appreciated.”

This sentiment transitions into the broader discussion of how curiosity for jazz can be cultivated.

“Absolutely, it can be taught, but it’s a systematic issue that needs to be addressed from a foundational level. Programs that introduce children to jazz through instruments and vocal training do exist, but they’re not widespread. More initiatives are needed to instill this curiosity early on. It’s about planting the seed for the next generation.”

Jazz Journey’s branding reflects its African roots, encapsulated by its use of the colour orange.

“Orange is quite an African color. If you look at the soil in many parts of Africa, it’s reddish-orange. For Jazz Journey, this represents home and the vibrance the project aims to bring to each session.”

Opening night will showcase the incredible talents of Bokang Ramatlapeng, whose distinctive voice and storytelling make her the ideal artist to launch the series.

“Bokang is an incredible talent. To me, she sounds like Jill Scott singing in vernac. Her ability to bring her influences and what she represents into her music is beautiful. She has a voice that could carry an entire show a cappella, but beyond that, she has a story to tell. That’s what Jazz Journey is all about.”

Jazz Journey is not only an entertainment series but also an educational platform designed to broaden perspectives on the genre and its artists.

“Jazz Journey is about more than just performances; it’s about connection, education, and discovery. We want audiences to walk away with a deeper appreciation for jazz as a genre and for the incredible stories that shape the music. This is just the beginning, and we hope to inspire a greater love for jazz in South Africa and beyond.”

Get your tickets to Jazz Journey here.