Ivan Mazuze strikes a chord of cultural harmony

CURRENTLY, in Canada, Ivan Mazuze, a Norway-based composer, award-winning saxophonist and world jazz artist of Mozambique origin, is preparing for the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF).

- DANIEL YOUNG

His album titled Penuka explores Arab and Indian cultures and their influences on traditional African music.

The album was celebrated with a concert at the renowned Cosmopolite Scene in Oslo, Norway, on October 11, 2024.

As he continues to achieve milestones in his career, this year, he returns toa much-evolved Cape Town International Jazz Festival, having previously performed at the 2011 edition.

Mazuze initiated his studies in music in 1987 at the National Music School in his home country, Mozambique. Piano was his first instrument and after seven years of classical piano training, he joined the woodwind section with a jazz study approach and a focus on improvisation. He continued his studies at the University of Cape Town in the Department of Jazz and Musicology.