5 minutes with the founder of Durban Jazz Festival Mdu Ngcobo

The founder of the Durban Jazz Festival Mduduzi Ngcobo hails from Inanda, Durban and has been in the music industry for more than four decades.

His journey began in his mid-20s when he opened a nightclub, Staccato nightclub in Inanda, which welcomed music legends from across South Africa.

His passion for entertainment led him to establish another popular nightclub, Whispers, in Durban’s CBD, further deepening his involvement in the industry.

TshisaLIVE caught up with Mdu to find out what we can expect during the 22nd Durban Jazz Festival, with the theme Black With A Touch Of Gold, taking place at the Durban ICC on December 26.

How did the Durban Jazz Festival come about?

The Durban Jazz Festival was born in 2002 out of a desire to fill a gap in Durban’s festive season entertainment. Initially, I envisioned it as an outdoor event that would take advantage of Durban’s beautiful natural landscapes to bring together people from across South Africa and neighbouring countries for a shared celebration of jazz. In our 22nd year, we’re thrilled to reintroduce the festival as an indoor event at the Durban ICC, with one venue and two stages, allowing us to provide a more intimate and refined experience for attendees. We aim to elevate the festival even further, with hopes of growing it into a world-class international jazz event that attracts talent and audiences from around the globe while celebrating our cultural heritage.

Who is in the line-up for this year’s festival, and why were they chosen?

The festival features a dynamic line-up including Jimmy Dludlu, Selaelo Selota and Naima Kay, who will perform with a full ladies' band. The artists were chosen for their prominence in the jazz scene, their ability to deliver captivating live performances and their contributions to the cultural tapestry of jazz. The line-up is intended to offer a rich musical experience that resonates with a diverse audience. The full line-up will be released soon.

What do you hope people will experience at the festival?

I hope attendees immerse themselves in a vibrant celebration of music and culture, experiencing the diverse sounds of jazz in a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere. The festival is about more than music. It’s about fostering a sense of community, cultural exchange and a deeper appreciation for jazz among locals and visitors.

What were some of the challenges organising the festival, and what sets it apart from other jazz festivals?

Organising the festival brings its own set of challenges, from curating a unique line-up to securing an ideal venue and creating a seamless experience for attendees. The Durban Jazz Festival stands out for its commitment to showcasing local and international talent, highlighting regional jazz influences, and fostering a genuine cultural exchange within the jazz genre. With its new indoor setting, the festival offers a distinctive blend of world-class performances in a carefully crafted, lively environment.

How do you plan to grow the jazz scene in Durban?

We’re dedicated to nurturing Durban’s jazz scene by engaging with local communities through workshops, educational and outreach initiatives designed to spark interest in jazz music. Collaborating with schools, community centres and local musicians is part of our plan to increase awareness and appreciation. By highlighting and supporting jazz talent through the platforms, we aim to create a thriving jazz culture in Durban.

Will there be a Durban Jazz Festival next year?

Yes, we fully intend to continue the tradition of the Durban Jazz Festival in the coming years. We encourage fans to stay connected with our official channels for updates on future editions and exciting new developments.

What are some of the new features or changes attendees can expect at this year’s festival?

This year’s festival is an indoor event at the Durban ICC, with one venue featuring two stages. The set-up allows for a broader range of performances in a single location, providing attendees with a varied and enriched musical experience within the comfortable environment of the ICC.

Are there other events or projects you’re working on?

We’re planning to bring back “Jazz in July” as an international event in Durban. The initiative aims to celebrate the diverse and soulful nature of jazz in July, coinciding with the city’s bustling Durban July season. The event will feature concerts, workshops and performances by renowned jazz artists from around the world, enhancing Durban’s cultural and musical landscape.