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The background of the African Jazz Pioneers stretches back to the 1950s when jazz was the fashion and big bands were the name of the game. Then the late Bra Ntemi and his Alexandra All Star band hit the cutting edge of South Africa’s music scene, blending American big band sound with traditional Majuba tempos and Marabi influences. International fame came soon after their first overseas tour as part of the Casa conference in Amsterdam in 1987. After the easing of the boycott in 1990, the African Jazz Pioneers were among the first to travel all over the world. Ntemi passed away in 2000. The African Jazz Pioneers are honouring their promise to him to keep the music going. The African Jazz Pioneers are Phillip Tau (bass), Albert Khumalo (bandleader/guitar), Brahms Hlabatu (tenor sax), Sello Manyaka (alto sax), Levy Kgasi (trumpet), Makhosonke Mrubata (trumpet), Madoda Gxabeka (drums), Kenny Mosito (keyboards) and Khanya Ceza (vocals).

• The African Jazz Pioneers perform on the Dinaledi Stage on Friday August 26.