On the 9th of November 2024, Are You Jazz hosted its 3rd edition to date. The event took place at the Ground Culture Café in Cape Town, South Africa. Quaide Rumble started the community to create a safe space for musicians and music lovers alike to enjoy the soothing sounds of jazz in an intimate setting.

Since its first edition, the community has grown rapidly, with many artists from various genres gracing the stage at the Ground Culture Café. From rap music to heart-warming RNB, Are You Jazz leaves no music genre untouched, offering something for everyone who comes to enjoy the very best talent Cape Town has to offer.

Attending the event on the 9th was an insight into the dedication that the team at Are You Jazz has for music. The event was packed with people from all walks of life, ready to enjoy the music on offer.

The show was headlined by South African artist Craig Lucas, who ended the night with an amazing set that had the whole building rocking. Other guest artists included Jodi Fredericks, who graced fans with her soulful lyrics, captivating the audience with each word. A fan favorite was Tessi, who had everyone invested in her performance, stealing the show with her powerful lyrics.

The official lineup included performances from Craig Lucas, Jodi Fredericks, Trent Nightingale, The Gospel Jazz Band, Tessi, Dean, The Blackstones, and Vibe Collective. Each performance left the audience in anticipation of the next.

The next Are You Jazz event will take place on the 14th of December and is not to be missed. Who knows—you might discover your next favorite artist there!

  Speaking to Trent Nightingale, he shared his thoughts on the event:“It was really special. I think it is really nice as a musician to be around other musicians and people who value jazz and the art form, no matter the genre. Tonight, with the focus on jazz, it just reinforced my love for the genre and for music in general. It was a really great night for me.”  

  Speaking to Jodi Fredericks, she shared what she took away from the evening and the platform Are You Jazz provided:“I’ll take home the importance of building a community outside of your own community within the arts. It’s really important to check out different people for no reason—not because someone put you on, but just because you feel like discovering someone new today.”  

Before the night ended, it was only right to interview the standout performer of the night, Tessi.

The following interview has been lightly edited for context and clarity:

 Daniel: What was your experience of Are You Jazz?

Tessi: My experience of Are You Jazz was amazing. I have never been in a place with such a sense of community among musicians. It’s an amazing opportunity to bring people together.  

 Daniel: What were your expectations for the evening?

Tessi: Honestly, I had no expectations for this evening. I didn’t know what to expect, but I must say it was really amazing. The energy in the room was incredible.  

 Daniel: What will you take home from this evening?

Tessi: Definitely community. I think it’s so important to create a community of musicians. Today, that is so difficult to do within this industry, and that’s what I’ll take away from this evening.  

 Daniel: For those who want to join Are You Jazz, what would you share about the experience?

Tessi: If you want to join Are You Jazz, I’d say go for it. It’s an amazing experience. You’ll feel so welcomed.  

 Daniel: What was the highlight of the evening?

Tessi: My highlight of the evening was when I forgot the lyrics to a song, and the audience helped me out! That was such a wonderful experience.  

 Daniel: What was your favorite performance of the evening?

Tessi: I think my favorite performance was by Dean. It was so relaxed and beautiful.