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From the Â鶹ԼÅÄ Proms: Metropole Orkest, conducted by Marcus Wyatt, with vocalists Siyabonga Mthembu and ESKA, and saxophonist Soweto Kinch and tuba player Theon.

Presented by Sarah Walker, from the Royal Albert Hall, London.

Interval: Sarah's joined by Kevin Le Gendre to discuss the programme in the wider context of South African Jazz.

The South African Jazz Songbook

Siyabonga Mthembu (vocals)
ESKA (vocals)
Soweto Kinch (saxophones)
Theon Cross (tuba)
Metropole Orkest
Marcus Wyatt (conductor)

‘I don’t think any musician ever thinks about making a statement’, said Hugh Masekela, the late, great ’father of South African jazz’ – ‘I think everybody goes into music loving it.’ Tonight’s Prom showcases the most dynamic sounds in contemporary South African jazz, including those of Cry Freedom’s Jonas Gwangwa, genre-crossing composer Abdullah Ibrahim, Dudu Pukwana and Johnny Dyani of The Blue Notes, and saxophonist Winston Mankunku. Singer Siyabonga Mthembu makes a special appearance, together with Mercury Prize-nominated ESKA, double MOBO Award-winning saxophonist Soweto Kinch and tuba sensation Theon Cross. Plus, if there’s one group that’s absolutely guaranteed to set the Proms on fire, it’s Metropole Orkest – the globetrotting, genre-defying ensemble behind recent Proms tributes to Nina Simone, Charles Mingus and Quincy Jones.