Cape Jazz

Description

Cape Jazz is a vibrant and eclectic genre that blends traditional South African music with jazz influences. It is characterized by its lively rhythms, melodic improvisations, and the use of indigenous instruments alongside typical jazz ensembles.

History

Cape Jazz emerged in the mid-20th century in Cape Town, South Africa. It developed as a unique form of expression among the local communities, influenced by the cultural melting pot of the region. Musicians like Abdullah Ibrahim (formerly known as Dollar Brand) and Basil Coetzee played pivotal roles in popularizing the genre, infusing it with elements of marabi, kwela, and other traditional African music styles. The genre became a symbol of resistance and identity during the apartheid era.