Jazz from South Africa: Mixed by Gigi Masin

For our latest specialist mix, veteran electronic composer and musical polymath Gigi Masin delves into his knowledge of and interest in the origins of jazz. Particularly that of the genre within South African history and its impact on his own work.

During apartheid in South Africa, Masin details, “jazz became a form of protest against police brutality, segregation and injustice”. With most South African jazz musicians at that time forced to exile, the Venetian musician explains they became regarded worldwide “as symbols of the Pan-African resistance movement” and “achieved global recognition for their creativity and determination”.

“London, Zurich, Paris were the cradles of the greatest contributions these South African musicians have taught to European culture in terms of music, openness, passion and tenacity,” Masin continues. “As for European culture and planet art itself, my life and love for music would not be the same without their fundamental teaching and human guidance”.