By Nomsa Dlamini (Intern)
MBABANE — On April 30, 2025, music enthusiasts will gather at the Mountain View International Hotel to commemorate International Jazz Day, a global celebration established by UNESCO in 2011.
This event highlights jazz as a powerful tool for peace, unity, and intercultural dialogue, transcending borders and fostering understanding among diverse cultures. Its improvisational nature encourages creativity and collaboration, making it a unique form of artistic expression. This year’s line-up promises to showcase the genre’s rich heritage and its ability to connect people from all walks of life.
International Jazz Day was initiated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to emphasize jazz and its diplomatic role in uniting people across cultures. Jazz music, which originated in the early 20th century in the United States, is seen as a symbol of freedom and creativity. With roots in African American musical traditions, it has evolved into a global genre that influences many cultures.
This year’s celebration will feature 17 talented artists performing on one stage, including notable acts such as Ali Tfwala, Luluzy, and Mongezi Simelane. Attendees can expect an evening filled with soulful melodies and inspiring performances that showcase the vibrant jazz scene in Eswatini.
The Into Music Society (IMS) a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth through music, plays a crucial role in this celebration. IMS facilitates music education, provides instruments, and creates spaces for creative expression, nurturing the next generation of musicians in Eswatini.
Nelisa Lawton founder of IMS and The Jazz Gallery, expressed that the goal of the event is to be part of the annual worldwide celebration of April as Jazz Month. “Jazz is a voice of freedom and cultural pride. It inspires creativity and connects communities. Its rhythms speak across generations and borders, reminding us of our shared humanity and the beauty of expression through sound,*” said Lawton.
The celebration of International Jazz Day serves as a reminder of music’s vital role in community development. Through initiatives like those of IMS, young people in Eswatini are discovering the power of music to inspire change and foster unity.
As the date approaches, excitement for International Jazz Day builds. Join them on April 30 at the Mountain View International Hotel to celebrate jazz and its potential to transform lives.
