Makuzeni is a South African trombonist, vocalist and composer who blends jazz, Xhosa music and soul with electronic live vocal loops and sound manipulation. Her show is vocal dexterity and experimental creativity at its best – and the backdrop of the Swartberg mountains is hard to beat.
This is the Journey to Jazz Festival 2025 which filled the whole town with music, inspiration and community spirit from 1-4 May. But most of us never see the behind-the-scenes and the team who silently makes an event like this happen. Partnering with the Prince Albert Community Trust (PACT), the Prince Albert Municipality was instrumental in helping ensure that this vibrant cultural event runs smoothly.
A key contribution was their effort in preparing the Krittikom Koppie Theatre, a repurposed quarry, for the free People’s Concert on 1 May. They cleared debris and ensured safety, creating a stunning venue for Makuzeni’s trombone sunrise performance.
A lively march from the PACT Centre, led by the Laingsburg Brass Band, brought crowds of excited children to Krittikom, where the Karoo Blues Band, Zolani Choir, Oom Tallie, Prince Albert Vastrappers and surprise acts performed until noon, setting a joyful tone. Children singed, danced and were enthralled by the performances, clearly enjoying every minute of it.
Behind the scenes, the municipality worked tirelessly, securing permits for venues like the NG Church and managing road access to keep the festival running smoothly. Our team collected waste and made sure lights were working. These often-unseen tasks required careful planning and coordination, ensuring visitors and residents alike could enjoy the event without disruption.
Events like this empower local youth, with J2J providing training in event management and music production, fostering skills and creating opportunities. It boosts Prince Albert’s economy and highlights the beauty of our landscapes. The entire team’s steadfast efforts ensured J2J 2025 was a celebration of music and togetherness, making our town a place we’re all proud to call home. Thank you, Prince Albert Municipality, for your vital role in bringing this festival to life!
