Gwen Ansell

Gwen Ansell is a freelance writer, writing teacher, media consultant and creative industries researcher. She is the author of various books, including the cultural history ‘Soweto Blues: Jazz, Politics and Popular Music in South Africa’ and the writers’ guide, ‘Introduction to Journalism’.

Myesha Jenkins: A sister who always said it with feeling

Friday Gwen Ansell - 10 Sep 2020

Poet and activist Myesha Jenkins (1948-2020) took her craft, including her teaching, extremely seriously

A place called home: Jazz and the new normal at the National Arts Festival

Friday Gwen Ansell - 8 Jul 2020

Several jazz offerings at the virtual festival focus on journeys and identity

Dialectic Soul: Rhythms of reason for revolutionary music

Friday Gwen Ansell - 12 May 2020

Drummer Asher Gamedze’s approach to making music is through a collective process bringing together not only each band member’s response to ideas but also their skills

Billy Monama: stringing together South African guitar history

Article Gwen Ansell - 6 May 2020

The guitarist’s book, Introduction to South African Guitar Style: Volume One is due to be published at the end of the year

Vuma Levin initiates his cycle

Article Gwen Ansell - 3 Feb 2020

The guitarist is growing into his groove, with a new concept album launching soon

A repository for jazz historians

Article Gwen Ansell - 13 Dec 2019

In the face of dwindling writing about South African jazz, bassist and composer Carlo Mombelli’s new offering is a repository for future historians.

Parsing Kabila through rumba

Article Gwen Ansell - 1 Nov 2019

‘Chimurenga Chronic: Who Killed Kabila II’ sees memories of the past battle the future

A requiem for African identity

Article Gwen Ansell - 9 Feb 2018

It is a feat to have a Mass that draws from a rich but distorted past to create a new musical canon

The making of Bra Hugh

Article Gwen Ansell - 23 Jan 2018

Listening through that half-century of disks, the nature and scope of the trumpeter’s achievement becomes clear. Masekela had two early horn heroes.

Beauty in struggle

Article Gwen Ansell - 12 Jan 2018

Jazz and the fight for freedom were central to his life and poetry

What the lives of two SA music giants tell us about culture under apartheid

Article Gwen Ansell - 13 Jul 2017

For those who love and listen – really listen – the legacy of both men will live on equally in the music they made

Fantasy fails to enchant

Article Gwen Ansell - 17 Mar 2017

“A mage’s name is better hidden than a herring in the sea, better guarded than a dragon’s den.” — Ursula K le Guin: A Wizard of Earthsea

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Press Releases

Special Reports

Transport Month

[email protected] - 23 Oct 2020

An infrastructure-led recovery will help to stimulate demand in the South African economy, which is vital post the Covid-19 pandemic

Special Reports

Limpopo’s Economic Recovery Plan to fight Covid-19 impact

special reports - 23 Oct 2020

Billions have been set aside to help farmers and industries get back on their feet as part of the Limpopo Socio-Economic Recovery Plan

Special Reports

Disrupt the corrupt

special reports - 22 Oct 2020

Whistle-blowers should be seen as real heroes in the fight against corruption and we need a change in culture for this to happen

Special Reports

Corporates: A force for good for a sustainable future

special reports - 20 Oct 2020

In order to see people and nature thrive what is required is a strong focus on partnerships – we cannot act alone anymore

Special Reports

Combatting wildlife crime in Southern Africa activity annual programme statement (APS) No. 04

special reports - 20 Oct 2020

Concept papers are sought for implementating activities, for a multi-faceted programme that aims to reduce poaching and illegal trade in wildlife

Special Reports

The financial decisions made during your life journey, and their impact on your retirement outcome

special reports - 19 Oct 2020

The longer you save towards retirement the larger your retirement savings are expected to be due to the effect of compounding interest

Special Reports

In conversation with SA Reserve Bank Governer, Lesetja Kganyago

special reports - 16 Oct 2020

'Make interest rates zero and inflation goes up and then people save less – we need savings to fund investment in this country'

Special Reports

Secure your business from cyber threats

special reports - 16 Oct 2020

Many business-grade security systems now have built-in learning systems and AI to help businesses stay up to date with protection