“The vibe of the city, captured in one show”
The Mother City audiences are in for a treat this festive season as Cape Town-born jazz musician, Jonathan Rubain, is back with his latest musical show, Cape Jazz Is Lekke!
The Hanover Park-born-and-bred Rubain, 33, is set to pay tribute and celebrate the SA legends of the jazz industry, including the likes of Robbie Jansen, Abdullah Ibrahim, Basil Manenberg Coetzee and Zayn Adam.
The show, which is set to enjoy a five-week run at The Baxter Concert Hall at The Baxter Theatre this festive season, will celebrate “the rich culture in local jazz”.
“Cape Jazz has a unique sound which can only be heard in Cape Town and are best played by musicians from the city. It is a festive season show which will be full of energetic performances and songs that will uplift people’s spirits,” says Rubain.
Cape Jazz Is Lekker! is production number eight for Rubain as a show producer – his biggest stage production to date.
“I could not believe when I was given the opportunity to do the festive run at The Baxter. I grabbed it with both hands. The opportunity is bigger than myself, but coming from the Cape Flats, I have learnt not to be scared of anything – no matter how big it might seem,” he admits.
Rubain has been playing music from an early age, despite growing up in a community infected with gangsterism and drugs. He attributes music to keeping him off the streets in Hanover Park.
Audiences can expect to hear new music from Rubain throughout the show, and they too can can experience legendary songs that will pay tribute to the legends who have inspired Rubain’s career.
“The show will be filled with Ghoema songs and music that will make people happy. We will also cover a few of the biggest Cape Jazz songs.”
Cape Jazz Is Lekker! is set to dazzle Cape Town audiences with a host of top local talent on the evening.
Joining Rubain on stage for a mesmerizing concert of song and dance are: Kyle Shepherd (piano); Cape Jazz legend, Hilton Schilder; multi-talented musician and guitar specialist, Dave Ledbetter; guitarist, Allou April as well as vocalist Candice Thornton. All the artists will be accompanied by a backing band under the direction of Spencer Kennedy.
Adds Rubain: “People can expect a Lekke! Show, including energetic performances and a full production which will have audiences coming back for more. This show is for Capetonians to appreciate our own music and sound again and for tourists who wants to get the vibe of the city.”
JONATHAN RUBAIN BIO
Born in Hanover Park, jazz musician Jonathan Rubain walked away with the Best Male Artist Award at the Victory Gospel Music Awards in 2016. He also has hosted and organised on a number of shows in Hanover Park, such as the Hanover Park Jazz Festival. He has also produced a local version of Hanover Park’s Got Talent, and has sold more than 10 000 copies of his first album and DVD. Music runs in his family too. His uncle, David Rubain, played saxophone for Abdullah Ibrahim many years ago. Jonathan’s love for music has afforded him the opportunity to travel and he has performed in US, Norway, France, Malaysia, Zimbabwe and in South Africa.
Tickets for this much-anticipated show can be purchased via Computicket at either www.computicket.com or via Checkers and Shoprite retail stores, countrywide, and are priced at R100 – R250 each.