Music college presents musical tribute to heritage

Last Thursday the Reaching Youth Through Music (RHYTHM) group, made up of students from the South African College of Music, presented a jazz tribute to celebrate Heritage Day.

Held at the Baxter Theatre Centre, the tribute featured guests Duke Ngcukana and his band, musician Errol Dyers, trumpeter Feya Faku, and jazz vocalist Gloria Bosman.

RHYTHM was formed in 2009 and is largely funded by the South African-Norwegian music corporation MMINO. The aim of their concert was to celebrate local jazz legends and introduce the youth to South Africa's rich musical heritage. The concert was held in conjunction with music and cultural workshops on Heritage Day, 24 September.

Hosted at UCT, the workshops focused on the history of South African jazz, and the personal stories and experience of South African jazz legends. Facilitators included Little Giants managing director George Werner, Kyle Shepherd, Dizu Plaatjies, Darryl Andrews, Eric Alan, and Nomfundo Xaluva.

The group transported 120 children to the workshops from high schools on the Cape Flats and Southern Suburbs of Cape Town.