Standard Bank Joy of Jazz held a Jazz Cares event last Wednesday at Uncle Tom’s Hall in Orlando West.
Jazz Cares is a Community Outreach Programme which gives back to the community by hosting concerts for the elderly and disabled.
More than 200 senior citizens enjoyed performances by jazz musicians.
The audience of pensioners could not stay on their seats as they danced to the melodic sounds.
“As the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz we felt that it is important to give back to the people who introduced us to jazz. The reason why our generation is now able to purchase tickets to attend various jazz events is because our parents introduced us to jazz, they played jazz records and we grew up with the love of jazz music,” said Joy of Jazz producer Mantwa Chinoamadi.
Chinoamadi said it is her dream to see Jazz Cares being even bigger and better.
“I would love to see this initiative growing to a point where we will have senior citizens filling up FNB Stadium,” she said.
This initiative was started four years ago by Joy of Jazz.
The City of Joburg is also part of this initiative.
Executive Director Community Development City of Joburg, Dudu Maseko said such initiatives are crucial in the lives of those who benefit from them.
“Many senior citizens sit at home all day with nothing to do, so to have them today dancing and enjoying themselves it’s really great to see,” she said.
Maseko also added that it is important for senior citizens to mobilise themselves and form clubs.
“It is important for senior citizens to keep active and to go out and interact with other senior citizens,” said Maseko.
Gogo Miriam Nkosi said that she had the time of her life.
“I have not danced this much in a long time, I was reminded of my youth today, thank you to Joy of Jazz,” she said.
