It was in the 1970s and the decades that followed that the influence of South Africans on the London scene consolidated to create a shared musical language
We need more books about South African jazz, focusing on both the verbal and the visual, to fully capture and appreciate the unique ‘river of culture we’ve been bequeathed’
In the face of dwindling writing about South African jazz, bassist and composer Carlo Mombelli’s new offering is a repository for future historians.
‘Chimurenga Chronic: Who Killed Kabila II’ sees memories of the past battle the future
A portrait of the enigmatic but gifted jazz cat and artist is conjured through the eyes of photographer (and admirer) Tseliso Monaheng
It is a feat to have a Mass that draws from a rich but distorted past to create a new musical canon
Jazz and the fight for freedom were central to his life and poetry
Alien relations served writer Alice Bo Sheldon well as a metaphor for the gender obtuseness and sexual obsessions of dominant human males on Earth.
Speculative fiction, science fiction, fantasy, thriller – who cares about genres when the writing is as good as in the novels reviewed here.
As the bassist prepares for his Joy of Jazz show, Gwen Ansell unpacks the musician’s life and the label “avant-garde”, which he has been linked to.
William Gibson’s 11th novel is a gripping read that explores a world of multiple, branching timelines.
Abraham’s tale of war and banking in a not-quite-Renaissance empire gathers strength in this, the penultimate volume.
Adam Haupt summarizes all the questions his book raises
The new edition of Chris Ballantine’s Marabi Nights is more than a description of the creation of a South African jazz; it is sociology set to music
Pianist Jill Richards and artist Marcus Neustetter immerse themselves in this exciting show that unites paper and ivory.
Derek Gripper might be skeptical about some commercial "world music", but that hasn’t weakened his passionate interest in the music of the world.
If digital fantasies are now post-cyberpunk, then perhaps Nick Harkaway could be credited with inventing post-steampunk.
One of the joys of the Standard Bank Jazz Festival in Grahamstown is serendipity. Most gigs are clustered in one venue. Here are the M&G’s picks.
He has many awards behind him, but for Andre Petersen his career purpose lies in faith, love and learning.
Ideas of unchanging difference get a kick in the pants from the Sibikwa Arts Indigenous Orchestra, who will perform at the National Arts Festival.
British flute-player Eddie Parker will be joining pianist Afrika Mkhize at the National Arts Festival.
Pianist Tete Mbambisa re-emerges from the shadows with an album that develops some of his greatest jazz hits.
Songbird Sibongile Khumalo celebrates a lifetime of music that has always lived outside the genre box.
Compelling — and often deep-rooted South African — stories characterised this year’s festival.
Jazz pianist Xia Jia closes the gap between the jazz music made by Chinese musicians and by musicians from other countries.
International festivals aren’t the only music in Cape Town. In Gugulethu, a trade union is leading efforts to keep community sounds alive.
The director’s craggy masculinity and individualism are not suited to a subject as subtle as Dave Brubeck.
Jazz is a small genre and the Cape Town Jazz Festival organisers have to realise that they cannot get bums on seats with music for purists only.
Despite finding global fame playing bass for Paul Simon and a host of other artists, local record labels ‘don’t know what to do’ with Bakithi Kuma.
The <em>Guardian</em> in London called her "the Queen of African Jazz" and composer Pinise Saul more than merits the title.
Two books take a fresh and wide-ranging look at the theme of music-making and politics.
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/ 18 November 2011
<b>Gwen Ansell</b> rounds up some of the latest science fiction and fantasy releases.