The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music is proud to present “A Night in Cuba: The Latin Real Songbook Experience” by the Modern Jazz Trio on Wednesday 12 August 2026 at 17h30.

Afro-Cuban and Latin jazz concert experience celebrating Cuban music traditions, Latin jazz, improvisation, and dance culture through a contemporary jazz lens.

a global language rooted in cultural exchange, rhythmic diversity, improvisation, and openness to multiple traditions and styles.

This production is a celebration of the musical philosophy and educational foundation as well as a tribute to legendary artists such as: Michel Camilo, Paquito D’Rivera, Chucho Valdés, Tito Puente.

The ensemble consists of:

David Langley on Piano and  Keytar, Brayden Hore  on Bass , Riley Giandhari on Drums with guests Leon Scharnick on saxophone and Thabo Sikhakhane on trumpet.

In addition, we are planning to collaborate with local salsa dance schools to create an immersive concert and dance experience that celebrates the communal spirit of Afro-Cuban music traditions.

Musically, the programme explores:

• Cuban son
• Salsa
• Afro-Cuban jazz
• Brazilian influences
• Contemporary Latin jazz improvisation

We believe this production strongly reflects the versatility and openness that the UKZN Centre for Jazz and Popular Music continues to promote — namely, the ability for South African jazz musicians to engage authentically and creatively with global jazz traditions while still bringing their own artistic identity into the music.

It would be an honour for us to present this production through the Centre and, in doing so, contribute toward showcasing the depth, diversity, and international musical language that UKZN students and graduates continue to carry into the professional world.