Artscape Youth Jazz Series: honouring the legacy of 1976

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Schools Jazz Band at Artscape last weekend
Image: Ian Landsberg
Youth Month is rooted in honouring the bravery and sacrifice of young South Africans who helped dismantle Apartheid — a legacy that continues to inspire. That same spirit pulsed through Artscape, where the spotlight shone not only on remembrance, but also on rhythm, mentorship, and the boundless promise of tomorrow.
The iconic Cape Town arts centre came alive with new energy, as dozens of young musicians and creatives filled its spaces with song, storytelling, and purpose, honouring the legacy of the youth of 1976. At the heart of it all was the Artscape Youth Jazz Series (AYJ) — a vibrant celebration of talent, growth, and opportunity, backed by the Western Cape Education Department and committed partners.
The excitement kicked off when the Youth Jazz Soloists Concert gave 14 handpicked musicians the chance to perform like professionals. For some, it was their first time under stage lights. For others, it was a significant step closer to a lifelong dream.
The line-up included vocalists like Sarah Pengilly, Caleb Meyer, and Adrea Martinez, who were joined by pianists Bruce Basson and Kyle Damons, guitarists Cole Krieling and Daniel Roux, and a host of other promising talents — from teenage trumpeters to 20-something drummers. Each had spent a month learning from some of South Africa's most respected jazz musicians. And it showed.
Their setlists blended original compositions with classics by South African jazz greats like Sibongile Khumalo, Bokani Dyer, Zoe Modiga, Nomfundo Xaluva, and the late Alvin Dyers, telling a story of love, culture, and identity told through melody.
Professor Amanda Tiffin, Head of Jazz Studies at UCT and director of the Soloist's Showcase, spoke to the heart of the programme:
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Artscape CEO Marlene le Roux with the CCFM team
Image: Ian Landsberg
'AYJ has been a launchpad for many young artists who were considering music as a career option. The programme provides the participants with an insider's experience of a professional production, and the close interactions with experienced professionals as mentors has often cemented a young person's decision to pursue music further.'
The celebration continued when the School Jazz Bands Concert brought 11 diverse bands to the stage — including ensembles from Bergvliet High, South Peninsula High, Christel House, Cedar High, Belhar High, and more. The concert was guided by the Western Cape Education Department's Music Directorate.
This year's AYJ was dedicated to two giants of the South African jazz scene — the late Alvin Dyers, one of the festival's earliest mentors, and Rashid Lombard, founder of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
The Artscape also hosted the 4th Annual CCFM Career Expo, which saw hundreds of young people engaging with over 60 exhibitors — from SAPS and engineering to accounting and beauty therapy.
And in another wing of the building, the Youth Leadership Training Programme (YLTP), run with the International Association for Human Values (IAHV), wrapped up with a heartfelt graduation ceremony.
Artscape CEO Dr Marlene le Roux reflected on the depth of the weekend's impact:
'Youth Day and Youth Month are more than just a slogan for us at Artscape and our partners. We engage with youth all year round providing a safe space where the youth can engage with other young people to continue strengthening our democracy which the youth of 1976 fought for 50 years ago: for equal education for all.
'Youth Day cannot be about slogans. We owe it to the youth of 1976 who died so that the youth of today can lead meaningful lives and reach their full potential, eradicating poverty while embracing humanity. Therefore, we implement the constitution through the arts, creating opportunities for relevant skills transfer and opening doors to the youth of today all year round, not just during Youth Month.'