The Insider #6: South African Jazz Journalist Gwen Ansell

South African writer, teacher, media consultant and creative industries researcher Gwen Ansell is a former Louis Armstrong Visiting Professor at the Center for Jazz Studies, Columbia University, and the author of Soweto Blues: Jazz, Politics and Popular Music in South Africa and the textbook Introduction to Journalism. She is also the person to whom I defer whenever asked about anything relating to South African jazz! We have an in-depth conversation about the state of arts journalism in South Africa (and beyond), key teaching points she imparts to students, and I mine her extensive knowledge of South African jazz musicians, past and present.
Show Notes:
Tracks Played:
– Jonas Gwangwa: Kgomo (Wedding Song)
– Bheki Mseleku feat. Courtney Pine: Closer To The Source
– Sibongile Khumalo: Seliyana
– Shane Cooper & Mabuta: Where The Heart Is
– Tutu Puoane: Hlompha Bophelo
– Kippie Moketsi & Hal Singer: Blue Stompin’
– Carlo Mombelli feat. Siya Makuzeni: Me, The Mango picker
Articles mentioned:
Mail & Guardian Obituary for Violet Gwangwa (by Gwen Ansell)
Mail & Guardian Obituary for Nompumelelo Ebronah Moholo (by Madoda Nethi)
Gwen’s Review of Bheki Mseleku’s “Beyond The Stars”
Buy Bheki Mseslku’s “Beyond The Stars from Tapestry Works here
Buy Gideon Nxumalo’s “Gideon Plays” here
Buy Kippie Moketsi and Hal Singer’s “Blue Stompin’” here
Gwen’s piece about Kinsman’s collaboration with Zimbabwean instrument maker and multi-disciplinary performer Othnell Mangoma Moyo
Hear Brownswood's Indaba Is Compilation album here
Find The Artistry of Bheki Mseleku by Professor Andrew Lilley here

South African Musicians Mentioned:
-Bokani Dyer
-Thandi Ntuli
-Sibusiso “Mash”Mashiloane 
-Linda Sikhakhane
-Ndabo Zulu
-Nduduzo Makhathini
-The Brother Moves On
-Kinsman (led by Muhammad Dawjee)
-Vuma Levin

Visit Gwen's blog here:
https://sisgwenjazz.wordpress.com/
“The Insider” is a spin-off series with monthly episodes. Patreon members at the $10/month tier receive these episodes in advance of the general public. If you would like to support The Jazz Session, please do consider becoming a Patreon member over at https://www.patreon.com/thejazzsession