Arts writer
BREAKOUT Management has announced the national Winter Jazz Festival presented by Kaya FM, Heart FM and DStv taking place on June 12 and 13 at Grand West Casino and at Carnival City in Johannesburg. This year’s line-up features R&B star Musiq Soulchild, world-renowned ‘local boy’ guitarist Jonathan Butler, with special guest Oleta Adams, along with other surprise homegrown guests.
Cape Town’s favourite son returns home and this time he’s bringing friends. The Grammy Award winning Butler is no stranger to the local music festival scene. His vibrant jazz, soul and gospel sounds make him a firm favourite on home turf. The cherry on top this time round is that Butler is bringing fellow musicians Oleta Adams and Euge Groove from the US to connect with his roots.
These are some of the industry’s hottest artists who will be jetting into South Africa to do a two-night performance in both Johannesburg and Cape Town to help dispel those mid-winter blues.
Oleta Adams brings the perfect foil for Butler together with her own brand of R&B and soul, which without a doubt will be a winner with the local fans. Making his South African debut, Euge Groove boasts nine studio albums and 13 number ones behind his name – although his music is no stranger to South African ears as he has topped many local radio charts.
The second international line up onstage will be Musiq Soulchild – all the way from the USA. His debut album Aijuswanaseing(I Just Wanna Sing) sold over one million units in the US, with his latest singles already topping the charts locally.
Kaya FM’s Managing Director, Greg Maloka states that; “Kaya FM’s clear music position of soul and jazz is a perfect complement as the official radio partner to this event. We share a long musical history with Jonathan Butler and this particular all-star musical line-up further showcases Kaya FM’s commitment to good music.”
“A festival of two momentous headliners on a national level is an exciting prospect for jazz and soul supporters and is definitely not to be missed!” adds Breakout Agency’s Kevin Stuart.
The Cape Town gigs are Jonathan Butler & Friends: Oleta Adams & Euge Groove at Grand West on June 12, followed by Musiq Soulchild on June 13.
l Tickets: R450 to R695. Book: online.computicket.com/web/event/winter_jazz_festival/ 917116048/0/65803145. For info: www.winterjazz.co.za, or join the conversation on Facebook www.facebook.com/winterjazzfestival?fref=ts, Twitter @WinterJazzSA