NMBT jazzes the city up

SPRING in the city is being heralded by the smooth sounds of local Jazz as Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) celebrates Tourism Month with a township twist. This weekend NMBT will be hosting the Red Location Jazz Festival in an effort to promote township tourism and also the talent of the city’s local jazz artists.

“We have such vibrant and bustling townships in our city, but except for a couple of township tours – mainly aimed at foreigners – many local people don’t often experience the interesting diversity on our doorstep,” said Mandlakazi Skefile, NMBT’s chief executive.  

“The main aim of the Red Location Jazz Festival is to get our locals passionate about tourism opportunities in our townships by spending a relaxed day at a township-based event.”

Red Location Jazz Festival features top local jazz talent and is part of a drive to increase township tourism in the city. It takes place as a day event on Sunday, September 11 at the iconic Red Location Museum – the first township purpose built museum after apartheid.

“Red Location Museum is an icon in our city landscape. Not only is it one of the few township museums in South Africa, but its award-winning design and interactive content makes it a moving experience for all who go there,” said Skefile. “Add music to the mix and people will be emotionally moved and moving to the sultry beats of jazz.”

Hotting up on the line up are Cola Jazz band, Mo Jazz, Jazz Diva, Sunrise Jazz Band, Siseko & Friends, Titi Luzipho & Echos of Africa, Take Note and DJ Percy. “All of these acts are either from the local township areas – like New Brighton, home to jazz great Feya Faku – and also from the greater Nelson Mandela Bay area. This concert is unique in its approach to feature only local talent – and not only are we celebrating Tourism Month, but also our strong musical heritage in a township known for its love of jazz,” said Titus Chuene, NMBT marketing manager.

 “We encourage all people to come experience the Red Location Museum – some for the first time – during Tourism Month, when you are supposed to become a tourist in your own city. We promise the experience will be amazing and will expose locals to the incredible tourism icons we have in the city,” added Chuene.

Local taverners have partnered with NMBT and will provide refreshments. NMBT confirmed that 3000 tickets are available for the event, which will take place from 11am to 10pm on Sunday, September 11. Pre-sold tickets are on sale at Barbara’s Lounge, Anza’s and at NMBT’s Visitor Information Centres (Donkin, Airport, Boardwalk, South End, Uitenhage) around the city for R30 and are R40 at the door.

No persons under the age of 18 will be allowed. No liquor or food will be allowed onto the event grounds as stalls will be selling the necessary refreshments. The public are asked to bring their own camping chairs and picnic blankets.

For the rest of Tourism Month, NMBT is supporting initiatives taking place around the city, including: International Arbour Week, National Parks Week, the Nelson Mandela Bay Judo for Peace Open Championship, the Mandela Bay Development Agency’s Lifestyle Conference which features the launch of the Route 67 tourism walk and Urban Run; it is also supporting the Nelson Mandela Bay Pride, Northern Arts and New Brighton Wine festivals.