By Celani Sikhakhane
- The festival was stopped to fix water problems, but the municipality says things are better now.
- The new organisers say this year’s festival will support young artists and attract visitors.
The Ugu Jazz Festival is making a big comeback after being cancelled for several years because of water issues.
The event, which would take place every June at the Ugu Sports and Leisure Centre in Port Shepstone, was dropped by the Ugu District Municipality to focus on fixing the water supply in the area.
Ugu District Mayor Sikhumbuzo Mqadi said the municipality had no choice but to stop the festival while dealing with the water crisis.
“But now we are in a better financial position and the water supply has improved,” said Mqadi. “Bringing back the festival will boost tourism and support the local economy. Hotels and local businesses will benefit.”
The festival also suffered a major setback when Eyadini Lounge owner Jabulani “Mjay” Zama, who was given a three-year contract to run it in 2018, passed away.
He was chosen after the municipality ended its partnership with Sya Sound, the company that started the event in 2007.
Now the festival is being run by Siya Msomi and his team, who were officially welcomed back during an event at Mushroom Lounge in uMhlanga.
Msomi said they want this year’s festival to be fun for both young and old. He also wants to give young artists a chance to perform.
“We’re not sharing the lineup yet to avoid drama about who’s performing and who’s not,” said Msomi. “We want the return of the festival to be special.”
He added that there will be extra activities like hiking, fishing and the Mayoral Cup leading up to the event, which starts on 1 June.
Pictured above: Ugu District executives celebrate with Ugu Jazz Festival organisers at Mushroom Lounge in Durban.
Image source: Celani Sikhakhane
