In December, organisers of the annual Journey to Jazz Festival, the Prince Albert Community Trust (PACT), announced the exciting expanded scope of the Karoo Jazz Project (KJP) – a year-round developmental initiative that is transforming the musical and cultural landscape of the Karoo.
The Karoo Jazz Project, powered by PACT and supported by Pro Helvetia and the Nasionale Afrikaanse Teater Insiatief (Nati), continues to build on its bold vision – to discover, nurture, and develop jazz talent within rural Karoo communities.
This year pianist and composer Paul Hanmer joins long-term supporters of the project, Ramon Alexander (one of the leading exponents of Cape Jazz), and Lynette Petersen (Outeniqua High School’s jazz teacher and conductor), in unlocking musical potential by bridging education, mentorship, and exposure.
Creating access
“The Karoo Jazz Project isn’t just about learning scales and songs in the months leading up to each J2J festival – it’s about creating access,” says Hanmer. “It’s about giving young people from Prince Albert, Leeu-Gamka, and beyond, the tools to express themselves, to understand their heritage, and to speak the language of jazz with confidence.”
Traditionally, jazz practice has been confined to cities where musicians and audiences thrive in live performance spaces and experience the inner workings of “music conversations” musicians have with one another through the art of improvisation.
Journey to Jazz
Running parallel to the educational mission is the much-anticipated Journey to Jazz Festival at which the KJP will perform in May.
The festival has become an emblem of cultural connection and youth empowerment, and every ticket sold directly supports PACT’s ongoing work in training, upskilling, and employment creation across the events industry and other sectors.
The J2J 2026 line-up already includes some of South Africa’s most revered and innovative artists, such as Vusi Mahlasela, Hanmer, Nomfundo Xaluva, Yonela Mnana & The Soultee Sisters, and Amy Campbell and others.
Two very special acts will be announced on Saturday 31 January during the Journey to Jazz Preview event at The Dansvloer in the Swartberg Mountain Pass.
With limited accommodation in Prince Albert and growing national interest, audiences are encouraged to secure their tickets early.
The festival takes place from 30 April to 3 May in Prince Albert.
Tickets are available on Quicket at R250 per performance.
Visit Journey to Jazz, for more information.
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