The Royal Swazi Spa featuring Marcus Wyatt (South Africa).
'African Jazz: fresh, triumphant and very much alive, the new anthem for a free South Africa’

"Marcus Wyatt is a shining star in the sky of contemporary South African Jazz. Aware of the important legacy upon which he adds his fresh melodies, he nonetheless strives towards the definition of a novel sound, one which is consciously abandoning characteristically South African patterns, opening up for creativity beyond the accepted norms. His sound is subtle yet steamy, and the freshness and honesty of his lyrical approach is one of the reasons why this country can boast about a certain vitality in their jazz scene." - Henri M Yere - North Sea Jazz Festival (Cape Town)

Featuring legendary trumpeter Marcus Wyatt for the first time in Australia …

Marcus Wyatt trumpet: star of the contemporary South African music scene. As bandleader he has released albums under his own name as well as with Language 12, Voice, and Heavy Spirits. He has recorded and performed with Winston Mankunku, Vusi Mahlasela, Jimmy Dludlu, Paul Hanmer, Sibongile Khumalo, Zim Nqawana, Judith Sephuma, Miriam Makeba, McCoy Mrubata and many more.

Howard Belling piano and voice: veteran of the jazz scene in Melbourne, Soweto and Johannesburg. He has shared the stage with Sarah Vaughan, Ray Charles, Dionne Warwick, Hugh Masekela, Barney Rachabane (Paul Simon’s Graceland) and elite of the South African Jazz fraternity.

Fem Belling vocals and violin: from South Africa she has performed with many of Africa's music luminaries. Recently returned from London where she was playing lead roles on the West End, Fem is making a name for herself as a jazz artist, recently in the role of Blossom Dearie in the one-woman show ‘Blossom’ and is currently promoting her debut jazz album FAMILY.

Dave Marama guitar and voice: from Malawi, winner of the Paris Guitar Grand Prix has worked with the great afro funk group Tatunani in Tanzania, Musiki Manjaro and The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra in Melbourne.

Zvi Belling acoustic bass: has worked with with PJ Powers (1994 ANC election song), Juluka, The Afro Kubists, Rita Marley, The Inflatables, Zim Nqawana, Musiki Manjaro, Tumi, The Afrobiotics, Disasterware, Gregory Porter, Kash Killion and The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra.

Brian Abrahams drumkit: has worked in jazz worldwide including Abdullah Ibrahim [Dollar Brand], Chris McGregor, Dudu Pukwana, Johnny Diyani, Don Cherry, Courtney Pine, Nancy Wilson, The Grand Union Orchestra and his own band District Six.

Nick Lester saxophones: Grand Wazoo, Max Merritt and the Meteors, The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra, Barney Rachabane [Graceland], The Afrobiotics, Gregory Porter, The Bombay Royale and the James Morrison Big Band.