Jazz at SU | Johnman Concerts

This ensemble brings together four distinct voices from varied musical backgrounds: trumpeter Laythan Booysen, drummer Jarred Van Voore, vocalist Andrea Martinez, and pianist Jada Whiteboyd. Together, they explore the rich textures of indigenous South African music, filtered through each member’s unique cultural heritage and artistic perspective.

The group’s repertoire moves beyond traditional “standards,” drawing instead on South Africa’s diverse melodic and rhythmic languages while embracing contemporary improvisation. Horn lines intertwine with Martinez’s expressive vocals, Whiteboyd’s harmonic colours, and Van Voore’s dynamic percussion, creating a dialogue between ancestral roots and modern sensibilities.

Each arrangement is crafted to honour the depth and diversity of South African soundscapes without being confined by them. The result is music that feels both grounded and exploratory — rooted in place, yet open to transformation through the individual artistry of each member.

Audiences can expect an evening of original interpretations that celebrate heritage, creativity, and collaboration, inviting listeners into a shared musical space where tradition resonates anew on stage.