Top jazz musicians come to the party to raise funds for students
Jazz lovers can look forward to a cozy, winter evening with sizzling entertainment aimed at raising funds for a good cause – helping students settle their university fees.
On Wednesday June 8, two of Cape Town’s top jazz virtuosos, Billy Domingo and Don Vino Prins, will be in attendance at Die Stal in Stellenbosch in aid of #Action4Inclusion, a fundraising initiative of Stellenbosch University (SU), under the auspices of Professor Thuli Madonsela, Law Trust Chair in Social Justice.
Professor Madonsela says that it is a huge honour for the University and the #Action4Inclusion campaign to host Cape Town’s top musical talent.
“Last year we held a successful comedy evening in aid of #Action4Inclusion, so we decided to focus on music this year. The performing arts are a powerful tool to unite people and provide much-needed relief from our daily struggles. We are grateful for artists who offer their time and sublime talents to support our quest for zero student debt and financial exclusion.”
Billy Domingo is known for being the festival director of the popular Cape Town International Jazz Festival. He started working in the theatre as a young man in the 1960s and later honed his craft in the music industry while working behind the scenes of music productions and as a tour manager for one of South Africa’s most famous musicians, Lucky Dube.
Asked about the importance of the performing arts, Mr Domingo said, “The arts have always been close to my heart and after the devastation of Covid-19 and its lasting effect on the music industry, it’s great to see the arts are starting to revive and thrive again.
“It’s an honour working with and supporting young musicians and performers with my great friend, Don Vino Prins, and I look forward to sharing my experiences and knowledge of the industry at the event.”
Versatile saxophone wizard, Don Vino Prins, has been a shining star in the music scene for over 20 years and is best known for his Saxy Vibes show. He is masterful in any genre – from gospel to reggae, hip-hop, pop and jazz.
The musical duo will be introduced by compère Pieter Swart of SU’s Alumni Office and guests can look forward to cheese and wine to complement the evening’s entertainment.
Professor Madonsela adds that it is heartening to see how the support for the #Action4Inclusion campaign has grown over the past two years.
The initiative, launched in 2020, was conceptualised by SU’s Student Representative Council, Professor Madonsela, Professor Sonia Human (former dean of SU’s Faculty of Law) and Social Justice Ambassadors.
The funds raised via #Action4Inclusion are used to support students who cannot register for the next academic year due to outstanding fees, as well as graduates who cannot access their academic records upon graduation.
The main aim of the #Action4Inclusion campaign is to ensure the academic inclusion of all students, explains Professor Madonsela.
“The plight of students who are overwhelmed by university fees debt is of great concern. Many students from under-resourced backgrounds struggle to pay their university fees and are often at risk of dropping out.”
Join Madonsela and the #Action4Inclusion team for an evening of first-class entertainment that will drive away the winter blues and help deserving students.
Tickets for the #Action4Inclusion Jazz Concert on 8 June can be booked on the https://plankton.mobi/Events/EventBooking/dc94bb3c-a3da-ec11-80e0-0cc47a93d288 website at R200 per person.
Details: The event is to take place at 18:00 in “Die Stal”, Coetzenburg grounds, in Stellenbosch on 8 June 2022.
Tickets: R200 per person at https://plankton.mobi/Events/EventBooking/dc94bb3c-a3da-ec11-80e0-0cc47a93d288
Enquiries: Thembalethu Seyisi: 072 785 3218 / seyisithembalethu@gmail.com
Donate to #Action4Inclusion: https://www.givengain.com/cc/action4inclusion/