Experience an electrifying concert of world-class jazz as Kesivan Naidoo and the ensemble, The Lights, bring the Freedom in Sound show to the Baxter Concert Hall – for one night only on Saturday 10 May.
Led by the award-winning drummer, the ensemble brings together an extraordinary lineup of top-tier musicians. Joining Naidoo are fellow Young Artist Award winners piano-superstar Bokani Dyer and trumpet prodigy Darren English , alongside a global roster of jazz virtuosos: Brazilian guitar master Fabio Gouvêa, the prolific French saxophonist Charley Rose, and one of Europe’s most sought-after young bassists, Joan Codina from Spain.
Celebrating SA’s democracy through Jazz
The band will play some of Naidoo’s new compositions and reinterpretations of the great South African masters he has played with over the past 30 years. This dynamic musical journey honours South Africa’s rich jazz heritage to celebrate 30 years of democracy, while offering a fresh, modern interpretation of its jazz masters.
“Music has always been at the heart of our nation’s journey, a voice for resistance, resilience, and renewal. With Freedom in Sound, we pay tribute to those who came before us while imagining the possibilities of our future,” Naidoo said.
More than just a genre
Jazz in South Africa has long been more than just a genre of music – it has been a powerful force of resistance, a voice for the voiceless, and a cultural bridge between oppression and freedom. During the apartheid era (1948–1994), when the government sought to control and silence dissent, jazz became a sonic weapon, carrying the stories, struggles, and aspirations of the oppressed to the world. In post-apartheid South Africa, jazz mirrors contemporary life, reflecting both the progress and ongoing challenges of democracy. Themes of social justice, economic inequality, and identity continue to shape the compositions of modern jazz musicians.
The tour will premiere at Journey to Jazz, from 1 – 4 May in Prins Albert, before heading to Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. The Baxter performance will be recorded live, capturing the energy and spirit of this project for a new album. Fans are encouraged to be part of this momentous occasion and contribute to the electric atmosphere.
Tickets are available at Webtickets.
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Experience an electrifying concert of world-class jazz as Kesivan Naidoo and the ensemble, The Lights, bring the Freedom in Sound show to the Baxter Concert Hall – for one night only on Saturday 10 May. to Kesivan & The Lights: Freedom in Sound on 10 May at The Baxter. Enter the competition by clicking here. Good luck!
