April 19, 2022

The Insider #6: South African Jazz Journalist Gwen Ansell

1 hour 6 minutes

South African writer, teacher, media consultant and creative industries researcher Gwen Ansell is a former Louis Armstrong Visiting Professor at the Center for Jazz Studies, Columbia University, and the author of Soweto Blues: Jazz, Politics and Popular Music in South Africa and the textbook Introduction to Journalism. She is also the person to whom I defer whenever asked about anything relating to South African jazz! We have an in-depth conversation about the state of arts journalism in South Africa (and beyond), key teaching points she imparts to students, and I mine her extensive knowledge of South African jazz musicians, past and present.

Show Notes:

Tracks Played:

– Jonas Gwangwa: Kgomo (Wedding Song)

– Bheki Mseleku feat. Courtney Pine: Closer To The Source

– Sibongile Khumalo: Seliyana

– Shane Cooper & Mabuta: Where The Heart Is

– Tutu Puoane: Hlompha Bophelo

– Kippie Moketsi & Hal Singer: Blue Stompin’

– Carlo Mombelli feat. Siya Makuzeni: Me, The Mango picker

Articles mentioned:

Mail & Guardian Obituary for Violet Gwangwa (by Gwen Ansell)

Mail & Guardian Obituary for Nompumelelo Ebronah Moholo (by Madoda Nethi)

Gwen’s Review of Bheki Mseleku’s “Beyond The Stars”

Buy Bheki Mseslku’s “Beyond The Stars from Tapestry Works here

Buy Gideon Nxumalo’s “Gideon Plays” here

Buy Kippie Moketsi and Hal Singer’s “Blue Stompin’” here

Gwen’s piece about Kinsman’s collaboration with Zimbabwean instrument maker and multi-disciplinary performer Othnell Mangoma Moyo

Hear Brownswood’s Indaba Is Compilation album here

Find The Artistry of Bheki Mseleku by Professor Andrew Lilley here

South African Musicians Mentioned:

–Bokani Dyer

–Thandi Ntuli

–Sibusiso “Mash”Mashiloane

–Linda Sikhakhane

–Ndabo Zulu

–Nduduzo Makhathini

–The Brother Moves On

–Kinsman (led by Muhammad Dawjee)

–Vuma Levin

Visit Gwen’s blog here:

https://sisgwenjazz.wordpress.com/

“The Insider” is a spin-off series with monthly episodes. Patreon members at the $10/month tier receive these episodes in advance of the general public. If you would like to support The Jazz Session, please do consider becoming a Patreon member over at https://www.patreon.com/thejazzsession

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