30 September | 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Press Release
Echoes of Marabi: SA–Swiss Collab | Yonela Mnana & Benedikt Reising ft. Soultee Sisters + Rico Baumann — Live at UKZN Jazz Centre
The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music proudly presents a beautiful collaborations, ‘Echoes of Marabi’ (SA-Swiss collab) with Yonela Mnana and Benedikt Reising (CH) featuring the Soultee Sisters (vocals) & Rico Baumann (drums) live at UKZN Centre for Jazz and Popular Music on Wednesday 30 September 2026 at 17:30.
One of the longest lasting relationships with South African jazz, has been that with Switzerland. Musicians from both countries connecting over years. The latest project is an astoundingly beautiful and unique duo album titled Echoes of Marabi, a project featuring South African pianist Yonela Mnana and Swiss saxophonist Benedikt Reising. It is an album that celebrates their connection and friendship. They are joined by the dynamic voices of the Soultee Sisters from Katlehong. The album was released in September 2025.
Reising is no stranger to the South African music landscape, having been part of several projects and tours there and Mnana is well established as a pianist, known for his powerful voice and compositions. The duo first met via South African trumpeter Mandla Mlangeni, while touring in 2018 with a Swiss-SA project called The Mill. The pair’s relationship was strengthened upon promoting that album in Europe in 2019 when both Mnana and Reising were based in Bern. They spent a lot of time together and shared musical ideas that they were passionate about.
The concert features Yonela Mnana (vocals, piano), Benedikt Reising (alto & baritone saxophone, bass clarinet, flutes), Happiness Siyoko (vocals), Nompumelelo Gugu Kubheka (vocals) and Busisiwe Shongwe (vocals) and Rico Baumann (drums)
Event details
Date: Wednesday, 16 September 2026
Doors open: 17:00
Music starts: 17:30
Venue: Centre for Jazz and Popular Music, Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2, Howard College Campus, UKZN
General Admission: R130, Pensioners: R100, Students: R70, Cash at the door or webtickets Echoes of Marabi Live at The UKZN Jazz Centre