Journey to Jazz 2025 unites sound and visual art in a celebration of SA’s jazz heritage

Prince Albert, Western Cape, is gearing up to transform into a cultural oasis from 1 to 4 May 2025, as the Journey to Jazz (J2J) festival invites music enthusiasts and art lovers alike to delve into the rich narrative of South Africa’s jazz heritage. This year, the festival promises more than just captivating performances; it will unveil a unique Visual Arts Programme celebrating the interplay between music and photography, and inviting attendees to engage with the stories that shape our cultural landscape.

At the heart of the Visual Arts Programme is the Peffers Fine Art exhibition, “Back o’ the Moon”. This compelling showcase resurrects the spirit of the 1950s – a decade immortalised as a golden era of jazz. Named after the famed Sophiatown shebeen that served as a sanctuary during apartheid, the exhibition features an evocative collection of photographs by legendary artists such as Alf Kumalo, Bob Gosani, Peter Magubane, Ernest Cole, Jurgen Schadeberg, and Paul Weinberg. Many of these iconic images were initially published in the influential Drum magazine, echoing the defiance and creativity of a generation that used jazz as both an escape and a form of resistance against the backdrop of social upheaval.

Nonhlanhla Kumalo, daughter of Alf Kumalo, reflects on her father’s legacy: “Photography is more than just capturing a moment – it is a commitment to truth, memory, and legacy.”  highlights how her father dedicated his life to illuminating the untold stories of South Africa’s past, using his lens as a powerful tool for education and historical preservation. The exhibition will include intimate portraits and dynamic street scenes featuring jazz legends like Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, and Abdullah Ibrahim, thus ensuring that the memories and struggles of these icons remain vivid for future generations.

The main exhibition will be housed at 57 Church Street, Prince Albert (formerly 7 Arches) and will officially open with a VIP event on Thursday, 1 May at 16h00, followed by a panel discussion titled Rhythms of Resistance on Saturday, 3 May at 11h30. This features prominent figures, including Nonhlanhla Kumalo. Attendees can also join a guided walkabout with curators Matthew Blackman and Ruarc Peffers on Friday, 2 May at 11h30.

Adding another layer to the visual arts offering is the Langjan Drawing Project, a collaborative initiative led by botanical fine art master Sally Arnold, and the Prince Albert Community Trust (PACT). This engaging project involves young artists from the community who will collaborate on a large-scale drawing inspired by the indigenous Athanasia tomentosa, also known as ‘Woolly Kanniedood’. The live drawing session will be held on Thursday, 1 May, from 10h00 to 16h00, and the exhibition will continue through the festival weekend. The project aims to weave themes of resilience and storytelling, strengthening the bonds between nature and art.

Furthermore, the festival welcomes the MoZe Group, a dynamic, women-led multimedia company founded by Zenobia Kloppers and Monique Seigels. The group’s showcase will encompass various storytelling mediums, including a free screening of their acclaimed film, Riel, at the Showroom Theatre on 30 April, encouraging audience engagement through powerful narratives.

Journey to Jazz 2025 positions itself as one of the continent’s most enchanting cultural festivals, seamlessly merging sound, image, memory, and meaning in the picturesque setting of the Karoo town of Prince Albert. With tickets now available through official platforms, the festival aims to create an immersive experience that is accessible to all.

For more information on the full programme, and ticket bookings, visit www.journeytojazz.co.za or check out www.peffersart.com.