Latest news with #NationalSchoolofArts
Mail & Guardian
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mail & Guardian
Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Presents: Jazz for young people – A family celebration of jazz and community
Johannesburg's vibrant music scene is set to come alive with the much-anticipated 'Jazz for Young People' festival, presented by the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz. This unique event, scheduled for July 26, 2025, at the National School of Arts (NSA) in Braamfontein, promises a full day of world-class jazz, family fun, and a powerful celebration of youth, creativity, and community spirit. A Festival by Young People, for Young People 'Jazz for Young People' is more than just a concert, it is a movement designed to nurture the next generation of jazz lovers, musicians, and entrepreneurs. Running from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, the festival is curated with young audiences in mind, offering a platform for budding jazz artists to showcase their talents and for young entrepreneurs to access new opportunities. The event is also a fundraiser, with all proceeds supporting the National School of Arts. This initiative aims to empower young artists and sustain the vital role of arts education in South Africa, ensuring that the country's rich artistic heritage continues to thrive. Star Power and Mentorship: Zoe Modiga Leads the Way One of the festival's most exciting features is the involvement of NSA alumna and award-winning singer-songwriter, Zoe Modiga. Known for her soulful voice and innovative approach to jazz, Modiga will not only headline the festival but also lead a special roadshow in the weeks leading up to the event. She will visit several participating schools, mentoring students and helping them polish their performances for the big stage. This mentorship initiative is designed to inspire and empower young musicians, giving them invaluable guidance from an industry leader and ensuring that their performances on festival day are nothing short of spectacular. An Eclectic Lineup Showcasing Young Talent The Jazz for Young People's concert lineup is a testament to the depth and diversity of South Africa's young jazz talent. Attendees can look forward to performances by: Biko's Manna – a renowned sibling trio celebrated for their dynamic stage presence. Iphupho L'ka Biko – a crossover jazz band blending traditional and contemporary sounds. NSA Band featuring Zoe Modiga – bringing together the school's top musicians with Modiga's star power. Khutlo Tharo Jazz Band, Sibikwa Marimba Band, East Rand School of the Arts, Morris Isaacson School of the Arts, Parktown Girls Marimba Band, Springs Boys High School, Tshwane School of Music, and Willow Crescent Magnet School of Music Band – representing the best of Gauteng's youth ensembles. TheRealDJ Zandy – headlining as the selector of the day, ensuring the energy stays high between live sets. A Day for the Whole Family 'Jazz for Young People' is designed as a true family affair. Beyond the music, the festival will feature a dedicated kids' zone with inflatables and fun games to keep younger attendees entertained throughout the day. Art enthusiasts can explore an exhibition of jazz-inspired artworks created by NSA students, offering a visual feast that complements the sounds on stage. No festival experience is complete without great food, and this event delivers with a variety of food stalls serving up delicious, succulent dishes to suit every palate. Building Community Through the Arts Festival Producer and T-Musicman CEO, Mantwa Chinoamadi, highlights the event's broader mission: 'Jazz for Young People is a wonderful opportunity to bring families and communities together through the universal language of music. Our goal is to celebrate the rich heritage of jazz while nurturing the next generation of artists and fans who will carry this legacy forward.' By supporting the NSA and fostering a love of jazz among young people, the festival aims to ensure that South Africa's musical legacy remains vibrant for generations to come. Event Details at a Glance Date: 26 July 2025 Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Venue: National School of Arts, 17 Hoofd Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg Tickets: R50 (children under 12), R80 (adults/general admission) Booking: Whether you're a jazz aficionado, a parent, an educator, or simply looking for a joyful day out, 'Jazz for Young People' invites everyone to join in celebrating the future of jazz and the power of community. Don't miss this unforgettable family festival, secure your tickets today!
News24
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Reflections of the National School of Arts' highs and lows
The National School of Arts (NSA) artistic director, Brenda Sakellarides, began the interview by sharing with City Press that the school was built as the original Johannesburg College of Education more than 100 years ago. The school, built as an institute of higher learning, is reflected in the hostels, as there are no traditional dormitories and the pupils are all accommodated in single rooms. Another striking feature is its enormous tennis court. However, Sakellarides revealed that there were plans to build an amphitheatre in that space, as no tennis is played there. Over time, some of the school's infrastructure began to deteriorate, prompting the closure of parts of the NSA at the advice of engineers. Securing funding for the repairs has been an uphill battle because there are multiple bodies to be contacted for approval. While the NSA managed to overcome the financial difficulties threatening the teachers' salaries last August, time has taken its toll on the buildings. In addition to ceilings on the brink of collapse, some taps were also dripping and the school's electricity needed to be rewired. Sakellarides said: We understand that there are a lot of schools that need attention so we can't take a 'what about us stance'. When [Sports, Arts and Culture] Minister Gayton McKenzie visited the school, he immediately offered to bring maintenance workers and agreed to pay for the art educators as per his department's mandate. "Bathrooms, doors … we suddenly realised that there was a lot to be done. Because if you fix one thing, other things start jumping at you too to say 'fix me too'," she chuckled. McKenzie's R2 million cash injection ensured that the teachers were taken care of until the end of last year. However, Sakellarides explained that teachers are also safe this year as a result of some of them being members of the school governing body, and others having been moved to the Gauteng Department of Education. The minister also committed to 35 bursaries, as the school is more talent-focused than the school fees demand. To qualify, pupils must be orphans, Sakellarides explained. Twitter NSA X page While some of the disadvantaged pupils end up shining above the rest artistically, the reality is that they need sponsorships. Ideally, the school, which currently has 460 pupils, needs 65% of paying parents in order to sustain itself adding that fees cost R37 000 per year, payable over ten months, with some pupils qualifying for school fee exemption. Braamfontein, where the school is situated, bears its own challenges including being linked to drug activity. Matric learners from St Mary's School, Waverley's School, and the National School of Arts had the opportunity to learn about a world of diverse career opportunities beyond traditional university paths. — Rosebank Killarney (@RK_Gazette) April 16, 2025 Given its geographic location, the school has heightened its security controls and is extra vigilant in monitoring the large campus. NSA students, as aspiring artists, may be more vulnerable than their peers—especially to drug use—given how many industry professionals have admitted to struggling with substance dependency at some point in their careers. The socioeconomic issues they may face, coupled with the pressures of being budding creatives, mean they often require extra emotional support and guidance. Sakellarides gave assurance: We have a partnership with the JPCCC [the Johannesburg Parent Child Counselling Centre] who place counsellors at the school for one-on-one therapy sessions. Intern counselling psychologists from the counselling and careers development unit at Wits [University] spend a year at the NSA. "Our school-based support team works conscientiously to monitor the vulnerable learners. If substance abuse is suspected, the learner will be tested and appropriate disciplinary steps taken. There is always a focus on remedial and restorative measures [we are] aware that substance abuse is often a cry for help," she added. On a more positive note, the school is situated in a cultural and educational precinct with neighbours such as the Joburg Theatre, the Human Rights Commission and others. City Press Mbali Mbatha The NSA's music department boasts more than 30 practice rooms, including the Beethoven room, which is to be renamed after late South African jazz legend Gloria Bosman. Sakellarides said it was important for an institution hailed as the leading arts school in Africa to reflect the continent's legacy. She beamed: I cannot specify a time yet but some time in the foreseeable future, the school is going to become the home of a Bösendorfer grand piano from the Johannesburg Art Gallery. Keeping up with the Joneses, the NSA has introduced digital arts into its curriculum and extension programme offering. This includes a digital orchestra, multimedia for the art students and technology-based innovations for those doing drama. The NSA rivals the other schools in Braamfontein in terms of size and Sakellarides acknowledges that maintaining a space of that magnitude had been no walk in the park. @GaytonMcK Minister of DSAC shares some of his proudest moments during his 100 Days in Office briefing at @MarketTheatre, including how the National School of Arts was rescued @City_Press — Women Love Each Other (@mbathambali493) October 17, 2024 Some Grade Eight pupils shared with City Press that the biggest challenge coming from traditional primary schools to an arts high school was balancing academics and artistry. However, they revealed that the transition became easier after a while, allowing them to thrive at the NSA. Pupil Masa Mchavi explained: We have a choir. We have dance and other activities we participate in outside our school schedule. Some say it's a lot, but it eventually becomes a daily routine. We struggled in January [when we started], but we are okay now. Natasha Mzwane described the NSA as a school that breeds multitaskers and advised aspirant pupils to have a balanced schedule and make time to sleep. Simphiwe Ndhlovu added: "There is no school better than the NSA and I proudly say that. We are the top performing school and if the NSA were to close down, there is no future because there is no other school like it." Mzwane added that the closure of the NSA would mean no musicians, arguing that it allowed them to express themselves in ways that other schools could not.
