The Settlers High School Jazz Band from Bellville has once again cemented its reputation as one of Cape Town’s foremost scholastic music ensembles, winning the 2026 V&A Waterfront High School Band Slam on Friday evening 15 May, at the V&A Waterfront amphitheatre.
The victory is the school’s fourth since the competition’s inception, making Settlers the outright record-holder for BandSlam titles. The school also shared the Spirit Award – which recognises the strongest audience support and enthusiasm throughout the competition – jointly with Rustenburg Girls’ High School.
Pinelands High School finished in second place, with Rustenburg Girls’ High School securing third.
A prize package worth R85 000
As champion, Settlers High School received a prize package designed to advance its music programme. The package includes two full-day professional recording sessions at SAE Institute South Africa, valued at R40 000; music equipment sponsored by Bothners to the value of R25 000; and a R20 000 cash prize from the V&A Waterfront.
Now in its 14th year, the High School Band Slam was established by the V&A Waterfront in partnership with Real Wired Music in 2012. This year’s competition attracted 44 entries from schools across the region, with 15 schools selected to perform in the live competition rounds. Performances were evaluated by a judging panel of music industry professionals, lecturers and educators, who assessed musicality, stage presence, originality and overall performance quality.
Donald Kau, head of PR and Communications at the V&A Waterfront, said the initiative continues to play an important role in supporting youth creativity and music education.
“It is always inspiring to witness the incredible talent emerging from our local schools. Over the years, High School Band Slam has grown into a meaningful platform where young creatives are given the opportunity to be seen, heard, and celebrated.”
Settlers in their own word
The school expressed immense pride in its director, Jesse Lewis, and the entire band for what it described as “a truly world-class production.” The school also extended its gratitude to supporters who attended on the evening, as well as to Gavin Minter, the V&A Waterfront, Bothners Music and SAE Institute South Africa for making the event possible.
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Matthew Marinus, a Grade 12 learner who has been a member of the Settlers Jazz Band since Grade 9, reflected on what the journey has meant to him.
“Having been part of the Jazz Band since Grade 9, I’ve had the privilege of growing not only as a performer, but also as a person. Over the years, BandSlam has helped me develop stage confidence, professionalism, and a real love for performing. One of the best parts has been building relationships and growing alongside a new group of band members every year. It has truly been an unforgettable journey.”
The industry speaks
Minter, seasoned musician and founder of Real Wired Music, said the competition remains an invaluable platform for emerging bands and musicians.
“Anytime that young musicians get together to practise and nurture their talent is a win for the music and the industry. HSBS has been the inspirational impetus for so many years.”
