UKZN Music Lecturers (from left) Ms Debbie Mari, Mr George Mari, Mr Neil Gonsalves and Professor Salim Washington.UKZN Celebrates International Jazz Day
The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music staged Generations of Jazz as part of International Jazz Day which brings together communities, schools, artists, historians, academics, and jazz enthusiasts all over the world to celebrate and learn about the music, its roots, future and impact.
The day is held annually to promote peace and dialogue among cultures, diversity and respect for human rights and human dignity, the eradication of discrimination, freedom of expression, gender equality, and reinforcing the role of youth in enacting social change.
Jazz Lecturer Mr Neil Gonsalves said: ‘Connecting Generations Through Jazz, brought together young musicians and teachers from local schools, UKZN Jazz students and staff, Jazz appreciation club members, and local audiences and musicians in a celebration of this wonderful art form. Live performances, a jam session, short talks and a jazz appreciation session were on the programme.’
Gonsalves pointed out that the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music at UKZN was one of many arts and cultural organisations in South Africa through which to register a jazz event on the http://jazzday.com/ website.
He says International Jazz day not only celebrates jazz but recognises it as a force for creating social cohesion.