Currently, in Canada, Ivan Mazuze, a Norway-based composer, award-winning saxophonist and world jazz artist of Mozambique origin, is preparing for the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
His album titled Penuka explores Arab and Indian cultures and their influences on traditional African music.
The album was celebrated with a concert at the renowned Cosmopolite Scene in Oslo, Norway, on October 11, 2024.
As he continues to achieve milestones in his career, this year, he returns to a much-evolved Cape Town International Jazz Festival, having previously performed at the 2011 edition.
Mazuze initiated his studies in music in 1987 at the National Music School in his home country, Mozambique.
Piano was his first instrument and after seven years of classical piano training, he joined the woodwind section with a jazz study approach and a focus on improvisation. He continued his studies at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, in the Department of Jazz and Musicology.
“Through Penuka, I aim to offer a fresh perspective on how these influences have shaped African music, blending traditional rhythms with modern jazz improvisation. This album is a celebration of the enduring cultural connections between Africa, the Arab world, and India,” Ivan adds.
The album itself consists of 10 songs, which include Bongile, Penuka, Mamidje, M & S, Belonging, Ayaan, Adufo, Kanawa, Nhaka and Yangulanu. During his performance at the festival, Mazuze will give an official presentation of his latest body of work.
"I wouldn't call it a challenge, but having to put different cultures together for this project while having to tell a story was a challenge. This form of music is contemporary jazz, and I tried to take all of these influences and make it a cohesive body of work, which was quite the exercise,” he shared.
The project features various collaborators, whether vocalists or instrumentalists.
Mazuze added, “With collaborations, I try to find what everyone has in common with each other. I don’t see the differences. Socially, in my personal life, I am the same. I have friends from all around the world.
"Just like the collaborations on the album, I have brought together many musicians from all spheres of music, whether that is contemporary or traditional. I think because I find myself in different environments all the time, these types of collaborations come naturally to me.
"The story of this album is telling stories from all around the world, with a focus on sounds from Africa, India and the Middle East. I like working with a lot of different musicians because of the diversity that it brings.
"It was a moment for me because I was able to put together a body of work that showcased different artists and languages coming together.”
“We have no idea how our audiences will receive the music that we create. But I would like for the audience to learn from these different cultures that are being shown in the music,” he said.
Since his last performance, the music scene has changed significantly. However, despite the change, Mazuze is hopeful that the love of jazz is still alive in the city.
CTIJF has earned its reputation as one of the most celebrated jazz festivals in the world.
Scheduled to take place on Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26, attendees can expect a spectacular infusion of music, culture, and connection.
* Tickets for CTIJF 2025 range from R950 to R1 500. They are available through TicketMaster. For more information, visit: https://www.capetownjazzfest.com/