The Soul Jazzmen have celebrated their 50th anniversary to round off heritage month in Port Elizabeth.
A tribute was given to the pioneers who formed the group that ensured jazz genre lives on throughout the ages. The event has been planned for the past five years and is finally materialising.
Jazz first started to take on a distinctly South African character in Queenstown in the early 1900’s. This, after American jazz records were imported into the country in the early 1920’s.
By 1960, jazz had become the the music of the liberation struggle. Its power lay in its ability to entertain the oppressed.
“I’m trying to tell you about apartheid. I don’t want dwell on it because it is quite painful and it will bring tears to my heart. Because even the music that is going to be played here today was never recorded. We were never told of the opportunities. It pained us so much, but now we won’t say anything about it because we chose this,” says Vuyelwa Luzipo, a Soul Jazzmen Vocalist.
Luzipho says the aim is ensure that the legacy of the Soul Jazzmen continues.
An exhibition was held showcasing the history of Jazz in South Africa. People in and around Port Elizabeth had an opportunity to learn about the history of jazz.
Instruments and art pieces were put on display. The pass laws made it difficult to perform at township halls.
Nangoza Jebe Hall was part of the struggle.
“Nangoza Jebe Hall has always been a important part of this community. So, we would not have taken such an event anywhere else but this one. One, because it is central; two, because this is where our people have continued to celebrate themselves, but also, during the most difficult times, this is where we gather,” says the organiser, Bobo Pemba.
The group says it has been a long journey that will empower and entertain generations to come.
