The Diamond City Jazz Festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration of jazz’s enduring legacy, bringing together some of the genre’s greatest icons alongside the vibrant, new wave of emerging talent. Set against the scenic backdrop of Botswana’s Bojanala Waterfront, this year’s festival will showcase a powerful intergenerational exchange of musical talent, underscoring jazz’s evolution from its deep roots in African culture to its global influence.
Legendary South African artists Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, McCoy Mrubata, Steve Dyer, and Bhudaza Mapefane will share the stage with a younger generation of jazz artists, offering a blend of experience and innovation. Together, they will celebrate a musical conversation that bridges generations while preserving the soulful essence of African jazz.
For decades, these icons have shaped the African jazz sound, fusing indigenous rhythms with international influences to create music that speaks to audiences across the globe. Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, a pioneer in South African jazz and pop, has captivated listeners with his timeless hits like Burn Out. McCoy Mrubata, a saxophonist of renown, has brought Cape jazz to the forefront, while Bhudaza Mapefane’s soulful saxophone and deep-rooted Sesotho jazz have made him a beloved figure in Lesotho and beyond. Steve Dyer, a master of the saxophone and flute, is equally respected for his ability to weave traditional African sounds with contemporary jazz.
Hotstix Mabuse, who also serves as the festival’s director, reflects on the importance of bringing these legends and the next generation together: “The festival is not just about music; it’s about preserving the cultural stories that have shaped jazz and ensuring they live on through young, talented musicians.”
A Living Tradition
The 2024 Diamond City Jazz Festival is more than just a musical performance—it’s a testament to the living, breathing nature of jazz. In addition to the performances, the event will feature a rich mentorship program, where the younger artists will engage with the legends themselves, gaining insights into technique, performance, and the cultural significance of jazz. This exchange of wisdom and innovation ensures that the soul of African jazz is passed on, evolving with each generation.
Among the rising stars of the jazz scene who will perform alongside the veterans are Mpumi Dhlamini, Nono Siile, Azana, Jordan Moozy, and Mpho Sebina. Each of these artists brings a fresh perspective to the genre, infusing contemporary sounds and themes into the jazz conversation. Their performances will show how jazz, while deeply rooted in tradition, continues to adapt and flourish in the modern world.
Rapula Kegopilwe, festival curator, emphasizes the importance of this collaboration: “Jazz is about storytelling, and every generation adds its own voice to the narrative. This festival ensures that the knowledge, technique, and passion of legends like Hotstix, McCoy, and Bhudaza don’t fade but instead ignite new flames in young musicians.”
A Platform for Cultural Exchange and Community Engagement
The festival’s cultural commitment goes beyond the music itself. Along with the performances, the event will offer a range of engaging activities, including a golf day at the prestigious Stanbic Golf Course, where musicians, industry leaders, and business professionals will come together in a relaxed setting to foster connections ahead of the main event.
Local crafts and culinary delights will also be featured at the festival, giving attendees the chance to immerse themselves in the rich cultural offerings of Botswana. It’s an opportunity to celebrate both the past and future of African jazz, while connecting artists and fans through their shared love for music.
Tickets and More Information
Tickets for the Diamond City Jazz Festival are now available through Webtickets, starting at P300. Don’t miss the chance to witness a celebration of African jazz in the heart of Botswana, where the melodies of the past meet the rhythms of the future.
