World Jazz Network 2024: Joy of Jazz meets Amersfoort World Jazz Festival
Thanks to the World Jazz Network, a remarkable and groundbreaking collaboration has been established between the Joy of Jazz Festival in South Africa and the Amersfoort World Jazz Festival (AWJF) in the Netherlands. This unique partnership provides a musical platform where cultures unite, allowing artists from around the globe to share their talents.
In August, the AWJF showcased the “Joy of Africa” program, a musical tribute to South African jazz legends such as Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Abdullah Ibrahim, and Winston Mankunku. These iconic artists not only shaped the history of South African music but also hold a vital place in the global jazz tradition. Their compositions and life stories continue to inspire musicians worldwide.
In September, the collaboration went both ways, with the Sven Rozier/Ellister Molen Group performing at the prestigious Joy of Jazz Festival in Johannesburg. There, they introduced the Dutch jazz culture to the South African audience, featuring a program exclusively composed of original Dutch compositions.
Interview with Sven Rozier
Drummer and bandleader Sven Rozier, who is closely involved in both his band and the organization of AWJF, shared his insights about this special partnership.
What makes this collaboration so unique?
Sven: “The World Jazz Network provides musicians and organizations the opportunity to grow artistically and culturally. It’s incredibly inspiring to connect South African music and artists with Dutch musicians. This exchange fosters creativity: we jam together, share knowledge, and form musical friendships that last a lifetime. It’s also amazing to present your own compositions in South Africa and see the audience there appreciate your music.”
“As organizers, it’s valuable to exchange knowledge face-to-face with our colleagues from the Joy of Jazz Festival. Although their approach may differ from that of the AWJF, we learn a lot from each other in terms of logistics, catering, soundchecks, and more. It’s a chance to deepen our understanding of the international jazz scene.”
The Tour
“We played four concerts in South Africa. On Thursday evening, we performed at Black Labone, a cultural hub where local musicians, artists, and poets gather. The audience was fantastic—young, energetic, and highly enthusiastic. This venue has a unique community vibe, and it was incredible to be part of it. What made it even more special was that many of these people wouldn’t normally be able to attend large festivals like Joy of Jazz.”
“On Friday and Saturday, we performed on the Diphala Stage during the Joy of Jazz Festival, playing for an audience of more than three thousand people. We performed only our own compositions, and the audience responded very positively. The sound quality on Saturday was even better, and it was a fantastic experience to be there with other artists, watching each other’s concerts and soaking up the great atmosphere. The crowd was dancing and singing along—it was unforgettable. We wrapped up the tour on Sunday at Nikki’s Jazz Club, another iconic venue.”
Did you get to see much of South Africa?
“Unfortunately, we didn’t have much time to explore the country, as a tour keeps you busy with traveling, soundchecks, interviews, press events, and rehearsals to improve the show. On top of that, half of the band got sick, but thankfully, we were well-prepared and had enough medication with us.”
Outcomes and Future Plans
The partnership between the Joy of Jazz Festival and the Amersfoort World Jazz Festival doesn’t end with this exchange. Sven explains that the World Jazz Network aims not just to facilitate temporary collaborations but to build lasting relationships.
“For example, we inspired South African artist Thapelo Khumisi to set up an ‘Artist-Driven Stage.’ We’re doing this not for any personal gain, but because we believe in creating magic and making the cultural sector a better place. We’re also working closely with André Le Roux from IKS Cultural Consulting, an organization dedicated to connecting cultural ecosystems not only in South Africa but across Africa.”
This extraordinary collaboration between two worlds, united by the power of jazz, contributes not only to a greater understanding of each other’s musical cultures but also to the strengthening of cultural networks that will enrich the future of jazz on a global scale.
