International Jazz Extravaganza returns to Durban, South Africa in June

The International Jazz Extravaganza (IJE) will be returning to Durban International Convention Centre for the second time on 17 June this year. The line-up includes award winning American classic, Monty Alexander, Kurt Elling, Nduduzo Makhatini, Thandi Ntuli, and many more.
“The International Jazz Extravaganza is growing into Durban's very own signature event for those passionate about jazz both in South Africa and from abroad,” says president and chief executive officer of the IJE, Sindile Xulu.

“It is an intimate one-night-only affair featuring leading international and South African jazz musicians. Offering a superior four act line-up, five-star hospitality and an all-round best-of-class experience, the IJE is where music, fine-dining and networking come together in a luxurious setting.”

Jazz connoisseurs can also look forward to a special appearance by Alexander's band, the highly-acclaimed Harlem-Kingston Express, who will be joining him live on stage.

Music icon Elling will no doubt also be a huge drawcard for jazz aficionados to the IJE. With every one of his ten albums being nominated for a Grammy, Elling is well known for the impressive technical mastery and emotional depth of his rich baritone voice.

Well-known local artist and SAMA nominated Nduduzo Makhatini, who has won the hearts of jazz lovers internationally, and sensational new vocalist and pianist Thandi Ntuli complete the line-up, ensuring that the IJE is a not-to-be-missed celebration of jazz as a pure and sophisticated art form.

“I am honoured to be returning to the IJE stage for a second year, as it is an event that puts jazz artistry at the forefront,” explains Makhathini. “For this year's performance, I will be focusing on my umbrella project that I call 'iKhambi', which celebrates blackness and our various modes of healing through music. The IJE is also a wonderful platform to highlight my home province, KZN, and what it has to offer in terms of cultures, traditions, food and music.”

“It is a true honour that Standard Bank has become synonymous with jazz in South Africa. Our support of events such as the IJE and the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, as well as the Standard Bank Young Artists Awards, only cements our association with this phenomenal art form and we trust that we will go far in assisting this genre of music to grow from strength-to-strength across Africa,” says Nontokozo Madonsela, head of marketing for Standard Bank Personal and Business Banking.

“We look forward to partnering with IJE, the City of Durban, KZN's Provincial Department of Arts and Culture in celebrating a rich blend of African and international jazz in the heart of Kwa-Zulu Natal, bringing jazz enthusiasts and connoisseurs from across the continent together for one night in a truly global celebration of the art of jazz and its heritage,” adds Madonsela.