Six African acts signed for jazz festival

Lister Boleseng

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The artists - including the DRC's Afro Fiesta; South Africa's RJ Benjamin; Swaziland's Bholoja; Botswana's Lister Boleseng; Kenya's Valerie Kimani and Zimbabwe's Sam Mtukudzi who performs with American Max Wild - will be perform at The Lab in Newtown on Friday August 29 and Saturday August 30.

Afro Fiesta - led by Mermans Mosengo Kenkosenki - was named to reflect the many countries and cultures of the band members. Bholoja (aka Mbongiseni Ngubane) blends Southern African traditions including bira, sitolotolo and traditional drumming styles and is an innovator on the Swazi music scene.

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US-based jazz saxophonist, Max Wild and Zimbabwean singer-songwriter Sam Mtukudzi launched their collaboration with Teerera, featuring African legend Oliver Mtukudzi who is also Sam's father. Valerie Kimani was the winner of the first ever reality show in East Africa Tusker Project Fame and was the recipient of a three year recording contract with Gallo.

Botswana's Lister Boleseng trained in the US and has released a debut album Life's Journey.

Commented Clement Motale, director group sponsorships at Standard Bank: "We are delighted to include so many African artists on the bill. As a leading emerging market bank, and the largest on the continent through our operations in 18 African countries, it is important that our jazz sponsorship reflects the diversity of our business. We are looking forward to celebrating the rich and warm blend of African and international jazz in the heart of Johannesburg as it brings jazz lovers together in a truly united and global celebration of jazz and its heritage."

For more information on the line-up and venues go to www.standardbankjazz.co.za and www.tmusicman.co.za.