…Organizers call for artistes, fans to self-create video messages for worldwide streaming
As the effects of the COVID 19 pandemic continue to disrupt activities around the world, SPIN Foundation, the organizers of International Jazz Day, IJD South Africa 2020, has announced the postponement of the celebrations earlier slated for April 30, 2020.
In a joint statement by SPIN Foundations, and other partners like The Host City Cape Town, The Department of Sports Arts and Culture, The Department of Tourism, Discovery LTD and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, this was done in line with keeping with the countries and various cities around the world which began shutting down, restricting travel and limiting social interaction to limit the spread of the pandemic.
According to the Chairperson of the Spin Foundation, Motsumi Makhene, the health and safety of all participants, including artists, staff, partners and the general public, is the most pressing concern.
“In accord with our partners, The Host City Cape Town, The Department of Sports Arts and Culture, The Department of Tourism, Discovery LTD and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, we hereby announce that International Jazz Day 2020 Global Host Celebration in Cape Town and other cities across South Africa, including the All-Star Global Concert on 30 April, will not take place as scheduled. The health and safety of all participants, including artists, staff, partners and the general public, is our most pressing concern.
Hosting the International Jazz Day 2020 is intended to showcase South Africa’s jazz history and unique heritage. During this trying time, we invite everyone nationally and globally to join us in being creative and still commit in displaying and celebrating our rich cultural diversity and jazz expression, while being vigilant, obeying all protocols and ensuring that we emerge from this calamity safe, healthy and stronger” he said.
Also speaking on the postponement, Cape Town Executive Mayor Dan Plato, believes the decision to postpone the event is the best at this time while looking forward to a future date when the city will be able to host the international jazz community.
“We are all in unprecedented times at the moment and we all must work together to combat the spread of COVID-19. I’m pleased that the International Jazz Day has followed in the steps of many events across the world, taking the responsible step of postponing to allow us to flatten the infection curve of this pandemic. We look forward to welcoming the International Jazz Day to our beautiful city in the near future,” he said.
Similarly, Herbie Hancock, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue, said “These are unprecedented times for world citizens and we are most grateful for the support, understanding, and partnership of our Jazz Day community. Armed with optimism, patience, and grace we’ll work through these challenges as families, communities, countries and as a stronger united world. Now more than ever before, let’s band together and spread the ethics of Jazz Day’s global movement around the planet and use this as a golden opportunity for humankind to reconnect especially amid all this isolation and uncertainty,” he added.
SPIN Foundation, however, expressed its gratitude to each artist and the technical teams for their commitment to this project and hope to soon provide details on a rescheduled date for the Global Concert. However, for April which is Jazz Appreciation Month, they called on Jazzday activists and the community to revisit the hosting theme Celebrating the Roots and Routes of African Jazz by highlighting the unique contributions made by South African and African artists to this art form.
They further encouraged jazz lovers to submit their smartphone videos, audio recordings and other virtual expressions of participation to show solidarity with everyone affected by this challenging situation.
The International Jazz Day is celebrated worldwide on April 30 as recognized by the United Nations. Cape Town won the bid in 2018 ahead of Lagos as the International Jazz City of the Year.