Camissa Knights
Image: Supplied
As the countdown to the Cape Town International Jazz Festival begins, one of the Mother City’s most respected jazz ensembles, Camissa Knights, is preparing to bring a deeply rooted Cape sound to the stage one that blends history, heritage and high-energy performance.
The group, made up of George Werner on piano, Peter Ndlala on bass, Muneeb Hermans on trumpet and flugelhorn and Carlo Fabe on drums, will perform on 28 March on the Moses Molelekwa Stage at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
Speaking on behalf of the band, drummer Carlo Fabe said their music reflects the very essence of Cape Town a city shaped by centuries of cultural exchange.
“Cape Town being a port city, entry point to the continent and gateway to the rest of the world, we celebrate this rich and diverse history, our cosmopolitan extent of influences and array of cultures and traditions old and new through the art form of Cape Jazz,” Fabe explained.
He said the group has continuously explored and expanded its sound by blending multiple traditions.
“The sound we have always been exploring and constantly incorporating elements of Afrobeat, Jazz, and Goema into our music to create a sound that's both conversant and energetic.”
For this year’s performance, the band plans to take audiences on a musical journey that honours those who helped shape South Africa’s jazz legacy while celebrating the artists pushing the genre forward today.
“The theme for this year is paying homage to our unsung heroes and feature the present-day musicians who are at the forefront of the music industry,” said Fabe. “We also have surprise guests lined up for the evening and talks of an international guest also joining us on stage.”
Cape jazz has long been tied to the political and social history of the city, often reflecting resistance and resilience during the country’s most difficult chapters. For the members of Camissa Knights, that legacy carries deep personal meaning.
Fabe said many of the musicians who influenced their journey were legends they had the privilege of working with over the years, including Robbie Jansen, Errol Dyers, Winston Mankunku Ngozi, Ezra Ngcukana and Sylvia Mdunyelwa.
“There has been a direct transference and handing over of the baton to us Camissa Knights members,” he said. “We therefore do not take our responsibility lightly when stepping onto various platforms. The work is far from done and we aim to unite audience members from all walks of life.”
Performing at a major festival stage, however, brings a different energy compared to intimate jazz clubs something the band embraces rather than resists.
“The approach for us has always been to read the room or venue and indulge the audiences’ energy and take them along on the journey through singing, dancing and being actively involved in the set,” said Fabe. “Lots of fun and leaving the show fulfilled and ready to change the world for the better.”
Collaboration also remains central to the Cape jazz tradition, and the group’s festival set will feature a number of special guests. Among them is rising vocalist Babalwa Mentjies, who Fabe describes as “an African songstress wowing crowds with her vocal prowess and huge stage presence.”
Joining the lineup will also be saxophonist and vocalist Esihle Valela, a longtime associate of the band who is quickly making a name for himself in the South African music scene.
“He’s currently blowing up a storm and hot property on the SA music scene,” Fabe said.
Behind the scenes, rehearsals for the performance have been a process of refining and shaping a story that reflects both the past and present of South African jazz.
“Rehearsals are currently going smooth as we’ve been working on the show for a while now,” he said. “In the beginning it was a rough ride as the input and choice of material was very strenuous as we have so much to offer but so little time to deliver on the night.”
For the musicians, performing at the festival in their home city carries a special significance.
“It’s a pure moment of bliss and pride as the Cape Town International Jazz Festival being hosted in the Mother City and being rightfully represented by Cape Town artists on this scale shows how far we’ve come,” said Fabe.
He added that sharing the stage with global performers highlights the growth and recognition of local talent.
“It shows belief in our local artists sharing the stages with international artists.”
With anticipation building ahead of the performance, the band hopes Capetonians will come out in full support.
“Looking forward to seeing our fellow Capetonians out in full support,” Fabe said. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.capetownjazzfest.com