Musos to jazz up Cape festival
Xolisa Phillip
AN EASTERN Caperaised artist's career continues to reach new heights. Former Graeme College pupil João "J-Something" Fonseca is making a showing at the 15th edition of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Two other performers with roots in the province – Port Elizabeth-born bassist Shane Cooper and former Victoria Park High School pupil Phumlani Mtiti – have also been selected for the festival, which attracts jazz lovers from around the country.
Speaking from Johannesburg, Fonseca said: "This is the second time we [his band, Mi Casa] are in the festival's lineup. We feel privileged to be coming back as last year this show was one of our career highlights."
Receiving a second festival nod was a blessing, he said.
The baby-faced crooner, who is in his 20s, is not only the frontman of his popular house group, but is also a talented songwriter and guitarist.
Since Mi Casa's rise to fame in 2011 on the back of their debut album, Micasa Music, they have opened for international acts like John Legend, and been nominated for several awards.
The debut offering received Samas (SA Music awards) for best dance album, album of the year, group of the year, newcomer of the year, and record of the year.
This year, the trio's star continues to shine brightly as they have been nominated for five Metro FM music awards: best dance album, best group, song of the year, best produced album and best styled artist/group. The nods are in recognition of the group's second album, Su Casa.
Meanwhile, jazz festival organisers have billed it the continent's "grandest gathering".
Notable luminaries on its bill include Jimmy Dludlu and Abdullah Ibrahim, as well as their international peers.
The festival has evolved to become one of South Africa's leading lifestyle experiences and events. Its 15th anniversary coincides with the country marking 20 years of democracy.
The event takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on March 28 and 29. Tickets are available at Computicket at R490 for a day pass.
Weekend passes have sold out and the day passes are not far off, the organisers said.
