On Sunday 30th April the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music hosts local high school bands including Hilton College, Durban Music School and soloists from various Durban schools. UKZN Jazz Voice students pay Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, celebrating the 100th anniversary of her birthdate and the UKZN Big Band under the direction of Burton Naidoo. The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music (CJPM) is located on Level 2, Shepstone Building, UKZN Howard College Campus. Doors open at 13h30pm and the show starts at 14h00.  This event is free. Plenty parking and Cash Bar available. Enq: 031 2603385 or email Zamat1@ukzn.ac.za for more details. Also on Sunday, Jazz enthusiast and DJ Mamsie Ntshangase will be presenting a jazz set on VibeFM Radio from 15h00 – 18h00 while she discusses the importance of International Jazz Day worldwide.   
 
In November 2011, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially designated April 30 as International Jazz Day in order to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role in uniting people from all corners of the globe. International Jazz Day brings together communities, schools, artists, historians, academics, and jazz enthusiasts all over the world to celebrate and learn about jazz and its roots, future and its impact. This celebration raises awareness of the need for intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding; and reinforces international cooperation and communication. Each year on April 30, Jazz is recognized for promoting peace, dialogue, diversity and respect for human rights; eradicating discrimination; promoting freedom of expression; fostering gender equality; and reinforcing the role of youth in enacting social change. International Jazz Day is the culmination of Jazz Appreciation Month, which draws public attention to jazz and its extraordinary heritage throughout April.   
 
As International Jazz Day celebrates its 6th anniversary, the Cuban city of Havana, has been named International Jazz Day Global Host city for 2017. Havana will host a multitude of jazz performances, community service initiatives, and education programs in schools, libraries, hospitals, community centres and arts venues across the city. The day will culminate in an All-Star Global Concert presented at the Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso, under the auspices of the Cuban Ministry of Culture, the Cuban Institute of Music and the Cuban National Commission for UNESCO. The concert, featuring artists from around the world, will be live streamed for all to enjoy. Join Jazz appreciators all over the world as we celebrate International Jazz Day the Durban way! This initiative is supported by Independent News Papers and Durban Art Gallery.