Panjazz International is part of a UK based charity specialising in music education and performance. It comprises – Portchester Panyard, the South Africa Panjazz Project and the Panjazz India Project. Panjazz International provides a multi-faceted, intergenerational approach to music in the community, adopting the best practices of Western and World Music traditions. Our work is based on the premise that Music, like sport, affords a powerful model for developing community cohesion on a local, National and International basis, and may be used to empower a growing number of underprivileged young people, to effect lasting change in and between communities across the globe. Rehearsing at Portchester Community School in the UK, a flagship UNICEF ‘Rights Respecting School’, the charity has been working with partners in South Africa, the UK and India since 2007 on a range of music projects. We currently employ both a singing and percussion/steel pan tutor, together working with over 200 young people each week in Kolkata’s poorest areas. The South Africa partners work with us on a range of singing and steel pan projects, tutored by local musicians from the townships.
The group presented a programme of music, including African songs, World Cup 2010 tunes, South African Jazz standards and Bollywood repertoire, on behalf of the many young people currently denied a voice in societies across the globe. The ethos of Panjazz International is closely aligned to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and much of our vocal repertoire reflects the articles of the Convention. Our musicians explore the World of Indian ragas, Caribbean Calypso and South African Township Jazz, using a wide range of instruments including Sarod, Cajon, Caribbean Steel Pan, Tabla and South African Marimba – a unique blend of indigenous instruments and styles. At the heart of the Panjazz model lies improvisation. On this tour, we featured steel pan players from Portchester Panyard – Laura Eade,
Monday 7 June 2010 – ‘The Captain’s Dinner’ – Johannesburg, South Africa
Wow! Topping the bill at this event was South African jazz legend Hugh Masakela.
The venue was the Vodadome in Johannesburg, and the event attracted celebrities from across the World. Hosted by Aaron Mokoena, musicians from Panjazz International presented a programme lasting an hour and a half. The group was extremely well received, and a lot of interest was shown in the work of this unique project.
So what of the future? We have tutors visiting the Western Cape and India during August, and Panjazz International has been invited to showcase in India in October. We will also be returning to South Africa for a major tour in 2011.
“This project can make a difference to the lives of all young people - a powerful model for change”
Duncan Hindle, Director General, Department of Education, South Africa.
Panjazz International – building local, National and International communities through music
For further information contact: Sarah Beadell +44 (0) 1329 517860