As dawn breaks over the picturesque town of Prince Albert, the much-anticipated Journey to Jazz (J2J) festival promises an exciting fusion of music, art, and cultural reflection that extends beyond the stage.
Running from 1 to 4 May, this year’s festival not only boasts world-class performances but also presents an engaging programme of curated exhibitions and collaborative art projects. This unique aspect elevates the festival experience from mere sonic enjoyment to a profound visual feast, inviting attendees to explore South Africa’s rich cultural legacy.
Among the highlights is an impressive exhibition titled Back o’ the Moon, presented by Peffers Fine Art. This striking collection assembles evocative photographs from the vibrant 1950s—a decade often romanticised as the “fabulous decade” of South African jazz, as famously noted by literary giant Lewis Nkosi. Named after the iconic Sophiatown shebeen, Back o’ the Moon encapsulates the era's energy, defiance, and artistic ingenuity. The exhibition will feature the works of legendary photographers such as Alf Kumalo, Bob Gosani, Peter Magubane, Ernest Cole, Jurgen Schadeberg, and Paul Weinberg, many of which were initially published in the renowned
magazine Drum.
Nonhlanhla Kumalo, daughter of celebrated photographer Alf Kumalo, reflects on her father's legacy: “Photography is more than just capturing a moment—it is a commitment to truth, memory, and legacy. Alf Kumalo dedicated his life to telling the untold stories of our past, using his lens as a powerful tool for education and preserving history. The exhibition promises intimate portraits and vibrant street scenes featuring some of the most influential figures in South African jazz history, including Miriam Makeba, Dolly Rathebe, Hugh Masekela, Kippie Moeketsi, Winston Mankunku Ngozi, and Abdullah Ibrahim. This is a rare opportunity for festivalgoers to engage with the visual history of a profound cultural movement.
The venue for this rich display of artistry is at 57 Church Street, Prince Albert (formerly known as 7 Arches), with an exclusive VIP opening scheduled for 1 May at 16h00. Audiences are invited to partake in a panel talk, titled Rhythms of Resistance, at 11h30 on Saturday, 3 May, featuring Nonhlanhla Kumalo alongside other guest speakers. Attendees can also join walkabouts with curators Matthew Blackman and Ruarc Peffers on 2 May at 11h30 to gain insight on the immersive works presented.
Adding to the festival’s artistic offerings, the Langjan Drawing Project led by renowned botanical fine art master Sally Arnold encourages interactivity and creativity among the community. Taking place in the Church Hall located at North End, the project aims to create a large-scale collaborative floor drawing that mirrors the beauty and significance of the indigenous Athanasia tomentosa, also fondly known as ‘Woolly Kanniedood’. This live drawing event on 1 May from 10h00 to 16h00 presents a unique opportunity for attendees and local learners to contribute to an artwork that speaks to themes of resilience, rootedness, and intergenerational storytelling.
Moreover, the MoZe Group—a dynamic, women-led multimedia company co-founded by Zenobia Kloppers and Monique Seigels—will showcase a curated collection of visual content at the festival, highlighting indigenous stories and previously untold narratives. Their presentation includes a free screening of their film Riel at the Showroom Theatre on 30 April, further enriching the festival’s diverse cultural tapestry.
J2J 2025 is not just a celebration of jazz music; it is an invitation to reflect on South Africa’s past while fostering a vibrant artistic community. With its commitment to honouring history and promoting contemporary creativity, the festival ensures that the echoes of the past resonate loudly in the hearts and minds of its participants.