Diary: Lauren Hendricks At The Centre For Jazz And Popular Music, Kwesta Releases New Single Joy, Capitec Handmadeafrica Returns

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music at the University of KwaZulu-Natal proudly presents Hidden Gems, a tribute to South African women of colour in jazz, on Wednesday 23 April, at 5.30.

The performance, led by Lauren Hendricks, a rising star on the South African jazz scene, honours the contributions of female musicians who have shaped the genre both locally and internationally.

Hendricks, a recent graduate with a masters in jazz studies from the University of Cape Town, aims to shed light on these often-overlooked artists through a carefully curated selection of music.

The performance will feature compositions from jazz legends such as Sathima Bea Benjamin, Tina Schouw and Abigail Petersen, alongside Hendrickss own original works. These pieces will reflect the rich history of South African jazz, celebrating the resilience and creativity of women of colour in the genre.

Renowned South African hip-hop artist Kwesta is set to release his highly anticipated new single Joy on 18 April. The track, which features rising star Nkosazana Daughter, serves as a pre-order single for Kwestas upcoming album The Big Bro Theory, which is set to drop on 9 May. The album marks a significant return to Kwestas roots, reflecting his growth, legacy and journey in the music industry over the past 15 years. Known as a grootman and respected OG in the South African scene, Kwesta has shaped the landscape of local hip-hop. Joy promises to be a special collaboration, merging Kwestas signature style with the soulful, powerful vocals of Nkosazana Daughter, whose rise to stardom has been nothing short of impressive. Fans are eagerly anticipating this unique combination, as both artists continue to solidify their places as icons in South African music.