Global jazzwomen festival 2025
Eswatini, 2025
In 2025, the Global JazzWomen Festival was held in Eswatini, March 21 - 23. The co-founders and co-organizers Sibongile Buda (South Africa) & Akhutleleng Kekwaletswe (Botswana) teamed up with Nelisa Lawton, event producer, impresario and community leader from Eswatini to bring international guests to the new territory to commune, teach, play and exchange experiences. The US emmisary, emminent bassist and educator and Global JazzWomen participant from the get-go, Kim Clarke, and a long term Hang supporter, the saxophonist Biggie Vinkeloe (Sweden) were international guests at this year’s event.
What happened?
Two schools, Waterford Kamhlaba and Sifundzani School, hosted the international group of female educators, who delivered workshops. This year, a separate Vocal Workshop was held, and mentorship provided.
A public performance of the joint, international bands presenting original music and music by female composers was sold out. It was a mighty representation:
From Botswana –Akhutleleng Kekwaletswe, Sebaga Rabantheng , Tumisang Chello Matthiessen, and Tshenolo Segokgo (The Fleek Band)
From South Africa – Sibongile Buda, Daisy Mangwato, Nthabiseng Mokoena, and Mpumi Nhlapo (JCFI Ensemble)
From Eswatini- Samantha Rudd, Nkhosiyabongwa Dlamini
International guests– Biggi Vinkeloe (Sweden) and Kim Clarke (USA)
Photos by Retina Agency