The release of “Rhythms in Black and White: A Virtual Journey Through the World of Jazz” marks a pivotal moment in South African cultural history, elevating the nation’s rich jazz heritage through a unique fusion of photography and poetry. Co-authored with the illustrious multiple award-winning photographer, Siphiwe Mhlambi, whose lens has immortalised countless jazz legends and accompanied by my own poetry that complements and amplifies the emotions captured in his images, this book is more than just a tribute – it is a living archive, a dynamic exploration of jazz as both a musical form and a cultural movement.
The much-anticipated launch will take place at the prestigious annual Standard Bank Joy of Jazz (SBJOJ) festival, where it will debut through a stunning exhibition. This exhibition will showcase a curated selection of photographs from the book, representing three generations of South African jazz, giving concertgoers a visual journey through the evolution of this dynamic genre. From the revolutionary sounds of Hugh Masekela to the urban rhythms of Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, and the contemporary, spiritually infused compositions of Dr. Nduduzo Makhathini, the photographs offer an intimate look into the lives and legacies of these icons. Both the authors and key figures from the jazz world will reflect on the importance of preserving and celebrating South Africa’s jazz heritage. Attendees will also have the unique opportunity to purchase the book which is an extraordinary multidisciplinary work that blends photography, poetry, and music. This event, infused into the jazz concert, promises to be a cultural highlight, where art, history, and sound come together to honour the enduring spirit of jazz.
Barbara W. Tuchman’s words, “Books are the carriers of civilisation,” resonate deeply with this work. “Rhythms in Black and White” is indeed a carrier of civilisation, capturing in its pages the heartbeat of South Africa’s jazz scene – a reflection of our society’s history, struggles, and triumphs. Each photograph and poem speaks to the resilience, creativity, and unyielding spirit of the artists who have shaped this genre, creating a narrative that is both personal and collective. The images are not mere snapshots of performances; they are windows into the soul of a people who have used jazz as a tool of resistance, expression, and liberation.
*** The co-authors spent over four hours with H.E. Kgalema Motlanthe, former president of South Africa, taking him through the entire manuscript and him reflecting on each page ***
At the heart of “Rhythms in Black and White” are Siphiwe Mhlambi’s extraordinary photographs, which speak volumes in their silent, monochromatic beauty. Each image is a masterpiece, capturing the essence of jazz in its rawest and most authentic form. The photographs don’t just document performances – they evoke the mood, the tension, and the freedom inherent in jazz. Whether it’s the intensity on a saxophonist’s face mid-solo or the gentle sway of a pianist lost in the rhythm, Mhlambi’s lens captures not only the musicians but the emotion that jazz brings to life. His ability to freeze moments of improvisation – those fleeting, unrepeatable bursts of genius – invites the viewer to experience the music visually. In these black-and-white images, every shadow, every expression, and every movement becomes part of the rhythm, immersing the viewer in the intimate world of South African jazz. The photographs, paired with the poetry, create a sensory experience that transcends the pages, allowing readers to feel the heartbeat of jazz as if they were present in the moment.
In many ways, this book is a bridge between generations. It preserves the legacy of the past while inviting new audiences into the world of jazz, a world that is as much about freedom as it is about improvisation and innovation. The poetry, woven into the fabric of the photographs, invites readers to linger, reflect, and immerse themselves in the rhythms that define jazz as more than music – it’s a way of life, a language of its own.
Tuchman also wrote that books are “teachers, magicians, bankers of the treasures of the mind,” and “Rhythms in Black and White” embodies all these roles. As a teacher, it educates readers on the profound connection between jazz and South Africa’s socio-political landscape, reminding us of the power of art to inspire change. As a magician, it transports readers into the world of smoky jazz clubs, late-night jam sessions, and the raw energy of live performance – transforming static images into moments of palpable sound and emotion. And as a banker of treasures, it stores the legacy of jazz, preserving the stories, struggles, and triumphs of its pioneers for future generations to discover and cherish.
*** The co-authors plus the graphic designer, Selemogo Maleho, hard at work choosing which photos to include in the book ***
At its core, “Rhythms in Black and White” is humanity in print – a celebration of life, rhythm, and sound, set against the backdrop of a country whose history is as complex and layered as jazz itself. It is a book that reminds us that while the world changes, the power of art remains constant. Through the pages of this book, the world will come to know not only the story of jazz in South Africa but the story of a people who, through rhythm and improvisation, found freedom.
“Rhythms in Black and White” exemplifies a groundbreaking multidisciplinary approach, blending the visual power of photography, the lyrical depth of poetry, and the auditory experience of music in a seamless fusion. This book not only presents jazz through words and images but also offers readers the chance to hear the music that inspired the creation of each piece. By incorporating QR codes throughout its pages, readers can easily access streaming services where the music of three iconic artists – Hugh Masekela, Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, and Dr. Nduduzo Makhathini – comes to life. These musicians, each representing a different generation in the evolution of South African jazz, provide a sonic backdrop to the visual and poetic narratives. Hugh Masekela’s vibrant trumpet echoes the revolutionary spirit of his time, Sipho Mabuse’s saxophone reflects the urban resilience of later eras, and Dr Nduduzo Makhathini’s piano compositions embody the spiritual and contemporary essence of jazz today. This innovative merging of mediums allows the reader to experience the rich textures of jazz across sight, sound, and language, making “Rhythms in Black and White” an immersive celebration of South Africa’s jazz legacy.
This book is not just for jazz enthusiasts but for anyone who understands the power of culture to shape identity, to bridge divides, and to carry the spirit of a nation forward. It is a gift to the world, a testament to the enduring power of creativity, and a reminder that books, like music, are timeless carriers of our collective humanity. In every page of “Rhythms in Black and White”, we are reminded that jazz is not just something we listen to – it’s something we live.
*** Siphiwe Mhlambi taking Dr Nduduzo Makhathini through the book at the exhibition mounted during the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz in Sandton Convention Centre***
Tujenge Afrika Pamoja! Let’s Build Africa Together.
Enjoy your weekend.
Saul Molobi (FCIM)
PUBLISHER: JAMBO AFRICA ONLINE
and
Group Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
Brandhill Africa™
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