A celebration of 30 years of South African democracy through Jazz
Basel, Switzerland, 19 March 2025 – In a landmark celebration of South Africa’s 30 years of democracy, South African award-winning drummer and composer Kesivan Naidoo, and his acclaimed ensemble, Kesivan & The Lights, are set to embark on a national tour of the country titled ‘Freedom in Sound’. This dynamic musical journey will honour South Africa’s rich jazz heritage to celebrate 30 years of democracy, while offering a fresh, modern interpretation of its jazz masters.
The tour will premiere with a highly anticipated performance at Journey to Jazz, taking place from 1 – 4 May 2025 in Prince Albert. Following this, the band will take ‘Freedom in Sound’ across the country, bringing their powerful fusion of rhythm, improvisation, and storytelling to audiences nationwide. The tour will include performances at the following venues:
7 May UKZN Centre for Jazz (Webtickets)
8 May Untitled Basement – JHB (Quicket)
9 May The Chris Seabrooke Music Hall, Wits, JHB (Quicket)
10 May Baxter Concert Hall, Cape Town (Webtickets)
A highlight of the tour will be the special live recording at the Baxter Concert Hall on 10 May 2025, capturing the energy and spirit of this extraordinary project for a new album. Fans are encouraged to be part of this momentous occasion and contribute to the electric atmosphere of this once-in-a-lifetime performance.
Jazz in South Africa has long been more than just a genre of music—it has been a powerful force of resistance, a voice for the voiceless, and a cultural bridge between oppression and freedom. During the apartheid era (1948–1994), when the government sought to control and silence dissent, jazz became a sonic weapon, carrying the stories, struggles, and aspirations of the oppressed to the world.
In post-apartheid South Africa, jazz serves as a mirror to contemporary South African life, reflecting both the progress and ongoing challenges of democracy. Themes of social justice, economic inequality, and identity continue to shape the compositions of modern jazz musicians.
Meet the luminaries of ‘Freedom in Sound’
- Kesivan Naidoo (Drums & Bandleader) – A multi-award-winning drummer, composer, and jazz visionary, Kesivan has performed at prestigious venues worldwide, including Carnegie Hall, and is known for his innovative approach to South African jazz.
- Darren English (Trumpet) – An internationally acclaimed trumpeter, and 2024 Standard Bank Young Artist of the year, Darren has made waves in both the South African and US jazz scenes, blending technical brilliance with deep emotional expression.
- Bokani Dyer (Piano) – A Standard Bank Young Artist Award recipient and SAMA-winning jazz pianist and composer, Bokani’s music bridges tradition with modern jazz, showcasing a distinct South African identity.
- Charley Rose (Saxophone, France) – One of Europe’s most exciting saxophonists, Charley brings a fresh, expressive voice to the ensemble, effortlessly weaving between classic jazz traditions and contemporary experimentation.
- Fabio Gouvêa (Guitar, Brazil) – A versatile and inventive guitarist, Fabio has performed with some of the biggest names in global jazz, adding a rhythmic and harmonic richness to the band’s sound.
- Joan Codina (Bass, Spain) – A gifted bassist with a deep, resonant sound, Joan has performed extensively across Europe, bringing both groove and melodic sensitivity to the rhythm section.
Reflecting on the tour, Kesivan shares: “Music has always been at the heart of our nation’s journey, a voice for resistance, resilience, and renewal. With ‘Freedom in Sound,’ we pay tribute to those who came before us while imagining the possibilities of our future.”
From the vibrant streets of Cape Town, the warm pulse of Durban and to the heartbeat of Johannesburg, ‘Freedom in Sound’ promises to be an unmissable celebration of South African music, history, and identity.
