Poetry and Jazz

Jazz and Poetry at The Orbit.

The Orbit began as a small Jazz Social Club in Troyeville, Johannesburg, in the early 2000’s. Peg’s Cosy Corner, as the venue was called, presented an intimate environment where musicians and jazz aficionados could hang around to listen to occasional live music and recordings till late at night around a drink.

Twelve years later, the venue was reborn in trendy Braamfontein as The Orbit Live Music & Bistro. We went to The Orbit for one of their Out There Poetry and Jazz Sessions. 

Poetry and Jazz. 

Poetry ...
Vangi Gantsho is a socially conscious poet and the founder of NO CAMP CHAIRS Poetry Picnics, held at the Union Buildings on the second Sunday of every month. She has performed at poetry events and festivals all over Africa.

Her work has been published in various literary publications, including The Agenda (2004), Sabel (UK, 2010), Wits Press (2011), Botsotso (2015) and she recently published her first collection: Undressing in front of the window. Vangi’s poetry is a reflection of her navigating this world… truthful and hard-hitting at times. Always BLACK WOMAN HUMAN! 

Jazz ...
The evening was accompanied by the Siphiwe Shiburi Trio. Yonela Mnana on piano. Siphiwe Shiburi  on drums. Amaeshi Ikechi on bass. They played on their own, accompanied Gloria Bosman and accompanied the poetry readings adding another layer of rhythm and movement to their performance.

Jazz and Poetry.

Jazz ...

Gloria Bosman also both sang on her own and accompanied the poetry readings. Gloria was born in Mofolo, but was raised in Pimville, Soweto. At no time did she consider that life would take her on a journey that would include stage and performing on as a professional performer.

From these early beginnings Gloria has amassed an impressive biography having performed and sung with the cream of South African musicians. Her stage career includes performances on various acts such as: SA Love, a musical of South African love songs produced by Christo Leach, Jubilation a gospel based musical directed by Ivor Jones, Woman in Spirit, The Lion and the Lamb, the award winning play by actor director John Kani. 

Poetry ...

Keorapetse William Kgositsile, also known as "Bra Willie" is South Africa’s poet Laureate since 2006. An influential member of the South African liberation struggle movement since the 1960’s, Kgositsile lived in exile across the African continent and in the United States of America for over 30 years. He made an extensive study of African-American literature and culture, becoming particularly interested in jazz music. During the 1970s he was a central figure among African-American poets, encouraging interest in Africa as well as the practice of poetry as a performance art.

Poetry and Jazz. Jazz and Poetry. A natural collaboration.