Youth Month Comes Alive at Artscape with Inspiring Youth Jazz Series Celebration
Youth Month in South Africa is deeply rooted in honouring the courage and sacrifice of young activists who played a pivotal role in dismantling Apartheid—a legacy that continues to fuel hope and resilience today. This spirit was vibrantly alive at Cape Town’s iconic Artscape during a powerful event that blended remembrance with rhythm, mentorship, and the limitless potential of the nation’s youth.
The Artscape Centre transformed into a hub of creativity and purpose as dozens of young musicians and creatives filled its halls with song, storytelling, and heartfelt performances. The occasion centred around the Artscape Youth Jazz Series (AYJ), a dynamic platform dedicated to nurturing emerging jazz talent. Backed by the Western Cape Education Department and committed partners, the series not only celebrates youth artistry but also cultivates growth and opportunity for tomorrow’s stars.
The programme’s highlight, the Youth Jazz Soloists Concert, featured 14 carefully selected young musicians, ranging from teenage trumpeters to 20-something drummers, each given a moment to shine on a professional stage. For many, it was their first time performing under bright stage lights; for others, a milestone on the journey toward a lifelong passion.
Among the performers were vocalists such as Sarah Pengilly, Caleb Meyer, and Adrea Martinez, alongside instrumentalists including pianists Bruce Basson and Kyle Damons and guitarists Cole Krieling and Daniel Roux. These gifted young artists spent a full month honing their craft under the mentorship of some of South Africa’s most esteemed jazz musicians, and their dedication was evident in every note.
Their setlists intertwined original compositions with renditions of classics from legendary South African jazz figures like Sibongile Khumalo, Bokani Dyer, Zoe Modiga, Nomfundo Xaluva, and the late Alvin Dyers. The music spoke deeply of love, culture, identity, and the power of storytelling through melody—an evocative tribute to the rich heritage of South African jazz.
“Through this programme, we’re not just celebrating exceptional musical talent — we’re empowering young people to own their stories and voices,” says Professor Amanda Tiffin, Head of Jazz Studies at the University of Cape Town and director of the Soloist’s Showcase. “Youth Month is a time to remember our history, but it’s also about nurturing the leaders and creatives who will carry that legacy forward. These young artists are proof that South Africa’s future is bright, vibrant, and full of promise.”
The Artscape Youth Jazz Series stands as a shining example of how Youth Month continues to inspire not only remembrance but also empowerment—offering young South Africans a platform to express themselves, honour their history, and shape the future through the universal language of music.
