By Sitha Maliwa
The National School of the Arts (NSA) is set to host a spectacular celebration of musical talent with the second edition of its Jazz & Pop Ensembles in Concert on March 22, 2025, at the renowned Mandela Theatre in Johannesburg. This highly anticipated event will feature a star-studded performance by internationally acclaimed NSA alumni, Zoë Modiga and Dr. Samson Diamond, who will join forces with the school’s current students to create an unforgettable evening of music and memories.
For Modiga, a multi-award-winning singer and songwriter, this concert represents a poignant return to the stage where her musical journey began. Modiga, whose career has taken her to global stages such as the North Sea Jazz Festival, has collaborated with South African legends like Hugh Masekela and Thandiswa Mazwai. This performance at the Mandela Theatre is not just another show; it’s a full-circle moment, one that highlights the significant role NSA played in shaping her artistic journey.
Reflecting on her time at the school, Modiga speaks of NSA as a place of empowerment, creativity, and lifelong connections. She shares, “NSA gave me the foundation to explore my creativity and connect with incredible people who have inspired me throughout my career. Returning to the NSA is like coming home.
Dr. Samson Diamond, a distinguished violinist and concertmaster of the Chineke! Orchestra also returns to NSA to mentor the next generation of musicians. His impressive career has seen him perform at prestigious events like the Lucerne Festival and the BBC Proms. Having dedicated his life to classical music, Diamond is deeply committed to sharing his expertise and experience with the students of NSA, which he praises for its unique blend of technical training and authentic performance opportunities.
“I owe much of my success to the rigorous training I received at NSA,” Diamond says. “It’s an honour to give back to the school that shaped my musical career by helping guide the next wave of talented musicians.
The concert promises to be a vibrant fusion of South African and international music, showcasing the diverse range of talent that NSA fosters. The program will feature a rich mix of genres, from pop to jazz to classical, with iconic songs like We Really Love This Place by TKZee, Feel Good by Lira, Daddy Lessons by Beyoncé, and the soulful Soweto Blues among others.
This eclectic mix will not only celebrate South Africa’s musical heritage but also reflect the global influences that shape its contemporary sound. It will be a true testament to the transformative power of arts education, with students and alumni coming together to create something extraordinary.
The NSA Jazz & Pop Ensembles in Concert offers an exciting opportunity for music lovers to experience world-class performances alongside the rising stars of South African music. With tickets priced at R150 for adults and R100 for students, the event is accessible to a wide audience eager to support the future of the local music scene.
Event Details:
- Venue: Mandela Theatre, Joburg Theatre
- Date: Saturday, 22 March 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Tickets: R150 (Adults), R100 (Students)
- Purchase: Tickets available via Webtickets and the Joburg Theatre box office
- Social media: Follow the production journey at #NSAMusicalHomecoming- @NewsSA