Fusing hot jazz with fine photos

JAZZ is one of the most harmonic music genres. And when combined with fine photography, it proves to be a powerful artistic fusion that is visually stimulating and unforgettable, as it’s underpinned by a track from an artist that is loved.

South Africa’s talented jazz and documentary visual storyteller Simphiwe Mhlambi will once again be hosting an exhibition at FotoZA, a fine art photographic gallery in Rosebank.

Titled Expressions, Mhlambi’s exhibition is a celebration of cultural icons.

It pays homage to Abigail Kubeka, Dorothy Masuka, Zoe Modiga, Sibongile Khumalo, Paul Hanmer, Kitty Phehla, Busi Mhlongo, Hugh Masekela, Abdullah Ibrahim, Thandi Klaasen, Vusi Khumalo, Steve Kekana, Themba Mokoena, Wynton Marsalis and Gregory Porter, whose beautiful portraits will all be shown at the exhibition.

The portraits are those Mhlambi, a jazz fanatic, has been documenting at the jazz concerts and festivals he’s been attending over the years.

Mostly in black and white, the photographs are some of his best works, showcasing the jazz artists deep in the music, cuddling their instruments without any care in the world.

The exhibition is called Expressions because in each portrait he presents, the award-winning photographer is somehow able to capture uniquely expressive moments with his lens.

You can feel the emotions of the musicians through the photographers. There’s something visceral about each of the photographs that Mhlambi presents with such care.

He has also invited jazz musicians to perform at the exhibition.

At the opening tonight, Prince Lengoasa, one of South Africa’s most gifted trumpeters, will be serenading the audience with his sweet melodies.

Other artists lined-up to perform during the exhibitions include Nduduzo Makhathini, Ziza Muftic, Billy Monama, Themba Mokoena, McCoy Mrubata, Mandla Mlangeni & the Amandla Freedom Ensemble, Natalia Molebatsi, Gontse Makhene and Kabelo Monnathebe & Resonance.

This latest edition of Expressions is said to evoke a range of emotions as it’s a reminder of how South Africans used jazz as a soundtrack during apartheid.

“Expressions” Jazz Photography Exhibition by Simphiwe Mhlambi will be showcasing at FotoZA from September 17 until October 17.