I have the honour of hosting a conversation with Melanie Jane. She is a pianist, vocalist and composer whose music bridges jazz with a fusion of contemporary influences.
In this candid conversation, we’re talking about her journey as a South African jazz artist, her award-winning debut album ‘More or Less’, and the evolution of her new single “Now Open Your Eyes”. We’re exploring her philosophy on improvisation, collaborations, the challenges facing jazz in South Africa, and the opportunities of streaming in Africa. She also lets us in on her upcoming plans – from embracing motherhood to preparing for her return to the stage.
This is not just an interview; it is a dialogue about jazz as a living, breathing art form, deeply rooted in history yet always reinventing itself.
Saul Molobi:
Welcome Melorie.
Melorie Jane:
Thank you so much for having me.
Saul Molobi:
It’s long overdue. I remember playing one or two of your songs on my 101.9 Chai FM jazz show before, and this moment is long overdue. Who is Melorie Jane?
Melorie Jane:
I am a South African jazz artist. I’m passionate about the music you also love playing. I create music influenced by jazz and other styles. I’m a pianist and vocalist, and I try to integrate stories, interactions, and release music.
Saul Molobi:
Tell us about your album.
Melorie Jane:
Yes, thank you. My first full album was released in 2021, called More or Less. It received nominations at the Mzansi Jazz Awards and won “Best Jazz Album” and “Best Female Artist” in 2022. It was very personal, written during COVID-19, a tough time for artists. The album was born from wanting to connect with people and express through music. The awards were humbling and opened many doors.
Saul Molobi:
Sunset Serenade believes in musical alchemy, blending genres into a jazz idiom. That’s why I love your music. But why did you choose jazz instead of a mass-appeal genre?
Melorie Jane:
Jazz, especially South African jazz, grips me. It tells stories and is relatable. I love the space for improvisation – every time it’s different. I do music because I love it, not just for income, but for authentic expression. And jazz today allows us to mix genres. Even in pop, genres are crossing over. It’s good for us jazz artists to explore and keep current.
Saul Molobi:
Yes, jazz is timeless because it borrows and evolves. Let’s talk about your new single.
Melorie Jane:
It’s called “Now Open Your Eyes”. It was first released on ‘Hold the Stars’ in 2024, but I felt it needed more growth. Originally inspired by someone going through a tough time, the song deepened as I grew. Festivals also inspired me to rewrite it with a bigger sound.
Saul Molobi:
I relate. I published a poetry collection, and some poems evolved into variations. Maybe you’ll one day have an album of variations of this song. Tell our listeners the title.
Melorie Jane:
“Now Open Your Eyes”. It’s about breakthrough, faith, and stepping forward out of difficulty.
Saul Molobi:
You believe in collaborations. Why do you value them?
Melorie Jane:
I love collaborations. Even if not in composition, every band member adds something. I’ve played with Chadleigh Gowar, Buddy Wells, Shane Phillips, Munib Hermans, Donald de Bernard, and others. Each brings influences that help me grow as a musician.
Saul Molobi:
We can’t wait to attend your live performances. Any upcoming shows?
Melorie Jane:
I’ll take time off because I’m expecting a baby in November. I’ll return to performing early next year.
Saul Molobi:
Congratulations!
Melorie Jane:
Thank you.
Saul Molobi:
Let’s talk about jazz in South Africa. What’s your take?
Melorie Jane:
Young performers are growing, but venues are closing down, especially in Cape Town. It’s tough for new artists, but there’s also innovation in jazz composition. Some musicians are going global. It’s an ebb and flow.
Saul Molobi:
What about streaming in Africa?
Melorie Jane:
Streaming helps reach new listeners, but income is limited. In Africa, high data costs and poor connectivity are challenges. Streaming feels more like marketing than revenue.
Saul Molobi:
Yes, with better connectivity, we can consume more music and books online and reach global markets. What do you see as the future of jazz in South Africa?
Melorie Jane:
There’s still a strong audience, especially in Cape Town. In Johannesburg it’s mixed, but places like Norval Foundation support it. I believe in keeping jazz current by blending styles while staying authentic. Young people can love jazz if we show them its depth and fun. Artists like Kgaogelo are popular with youth. Jazz has a strong future.
Saul Molobi:
In Pretoria’s surrounding townships and villages like Hammanskraal, my hometown, jazz is alive every Sunday with red-carpet sessions. The youth embrace the culture, not just music but fashion too. Jazz has always been our past, present and future.
It’s such an honour to talk to you. Good luck with the baby. We’ll keep in touch and promote our interview for this Sunday’s edition of my radio jazz show.
Melorie Jane:
Thank you. May I ask about your book?
Saul Molobi:
Yes. The book is titled “Rhythms in Black and White: A Virtual Journey Through the World of Jazz”. I wrote the poetry that illustrated photography by the ace jazz photographer, Siphiwe Mhlambi. The book has photos; QR codes linking to streaming services; and sections on contemporary, 70s, and veteran artists. We launched at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz concert last year.
Right now I’m working on Leslie Dikeni’s new book, “Music, Agency and Power”, which I hope to launch at Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Melorie Jane:
That’s big.
Saul Molobi:
Yes, I hope to collaborate with Cape Town International Jazz Festival next year like I did with the Joy of Jazz in Johannesburg. By the way, I did forged a partnership between Rashid Lombard with the Turin International Jazz Festival when I served as South Africa’s Consul-General in Milan from 2012-2016.
Melorie Jane:
What markets show interest in your book?
Saul Molobi:
The US is my biggest market; Amazon pays me royalties for my 2020 book. The other Amazon country branches still have to sell enough minimum number of copies required for me to earn a royalty.
Melorie Jane:
That sounds amazing.
Saul Molobi:
Yes. I hope Cape Town International Jazz Festival remembers the favour owed.
Melorie Jane:
Maybe Leslie can help too.
Saul Molobi:
He’s based in Joburg now, but he had a good relationship with Rashid Lombard. The book is also dedicated to Rashid.
Melorie Jane:
One more question. How can young artists like me get overseas festival opportunities?
Saul Molobi:
I’ll connect you with my Italian friend Roberto Megliolo, Miriam Makeba’s manager for many years, I hope he’ll refer you to the right people. He loves South Africa and is a good brother. I’ll send him your number. He can advise you on Europe.
Melorie Jane:
That would be great.
Saul Molobi:
How do people get in touch with you?
Melorie Jane:
Follow me on socials for updates.
Saul Molobi:
Share your handles.
Melorie Jane:
Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and my website.
Saul Molobi:
Any message for my readers and listeners?
Melorie Jane:
Thank you for supporting South African music. Keep supporting local arts.
Saul Molobi:
At 101.9 Chai FM and this news portal, we support our national music – it’s global. Thank you for joining us. Let’s play your new single now which is here: Now open your eyes.
Conclusion
As our exchange drew to a close, it became clear that Melorie Jane is more than a performer – she is a storyteller, a believer in collaboration, and a voice committed to keeping South African jazz vibrant and relevant. Her reflections reminded us that jazz is not just about music; it is about community, resilience, and the courage to innovate while staying true to one’s roots.
Her message to listeners was simple yet profound: support local music, cherish South African talent, and never underestimate the power of jazz to connect people across boundaries.
Here at Jambo Africa Online news portal and “Sunset Serenade” radio jazz show, we echo her call. Jazz has always been our yesterday, is our today, and will continue to be our tomorrow. And with artists like Melorie Jane, the future of South African jazz is in gifted hands.