JOHANNESBURG, MARCH 2025 — In a powerful demonstration of artistic legacy and educational excellence, the National School of the Arts (NSA) announces the 2nd Edition of JAZZ & POP ENSEMBLES in Concert with a musical homecoming of internationally acclaimed NSA alumni Zoë Modiga and Dr. Samson Diamond who have agreed to perform alongside current NSA learners in this highly anticipated concert!
World-Class Talent Returns to Their Roots
The 2nd Edition of the NSA Jazz & Pop Ensembles in Concert represents more than just a performance—it embodies the full-circle journey of artistic development. This year’s production transforms the prestigious Mandela Theatre into a living showcase of South Africa’s artistic education pipeline in action.
Multi-award-winning songstress, Zoë Modiga, whose soul-stirring music has earned her international festival appearances including North Sea Jazz Festival (Netherlands) and Afrika Festival Hertme (Netherlands), brings her distinctive storytelling approach back to where it all began. Since graduating from NSA, Modiga has released three critically acclaimed albums and collaborated with icons including Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Hugh Masekela and Thandiswa Mazwai.
“The National School of the Arts is a sanctuary, a place where all the artistically gifted could meet, be empowered and form lifetime connections. I am excited to make memories and magic with the students whose walk I am very familiar with. This is my gratitude through song, a heartwarming, full circle moment alongside Dr Samson Diamond, a fellow alumni. We are NSA!”
Dr. Samson Diamond is a multi-award-winning violinist with a Doctor of Philosophy in Music from the University of the Free State, where he led the resident Odeion String Quartet from 2013 to 2023. Since 2015, he has been associated with the London-based Chineke! Orchestra, serving as concertmaster for their inaugural European tour in 2019 and North American tour in 2023. In September 2024, he joined Chineke! Orchestra for performances at the Lucerne Festival and BBC Proms.
Praised for his “exquisite” musicianship and “stylish” leadership, Dr. Diamond is also associate concertmaster of the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra, where he contributes to the Artistic Planning Committee. Currently, he serves as Manager of Education and Community Engagement at the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, where he also performs as principal second violinist.
“What distinguishes NSA’s approach to arts education is how it integrates rigorous technical training with authentic performance opportunities,” notes Diamond. “The students I’m rehearsing with aren’t just learning about music—they’re living it through professional-calibre production experiences that few secondary schools worldwide can match.”
Vocational training and performances with heightened production values are central to the NSA’s approach to focused arts learning. It is to balance the pursuit of technical proficiency with lived professional experience. Vocational training in the arts cannot just be textbook learning. The Cross-departmental collaborations between music, dance, drama and art, reflects the versatility of the learners who are attract to this unique School of Specialisation in Performing and Creative Arts.
As a School of Specialisation in Performing and Creative Arts within the Gauteng Department of Education framework, NSA represents South Africa’s commitment to developing specialised talent that contributes to both cultural enrichment and economic growth.
Audiences will hear a rich variety of local and international repertoire including, We Really Love this Place (TKZee) Feel Good (Lira) Daddy Lessons (Beyonce) Sanibonani, Kgore, a Kwaito Mix, Soweto Blues, Zikababa, Golden and more – making this a perfect reflection for this Human Rights Day weekend!
Event Details
Venue: Mandela Theatre, Joburg Theatre
Date: Saturday, 22 March
Time: 7:00 PM
Tickets: R150 (Adults) | R100 (Students)
Purchase: Available via Web tickets and Joburg Theatre box office
Social Media: Follow the production journey at #NSAMusicalHomecoming
Media Opportunities:
• Pre-concert rehearsal access (21 March, 2-5 PM)
• Interview availability with alumni artists and student performers
• Behind-the-scenes photo/video package available upon request
• Special arrangements for education writers interested in observing NSA’s classroom methodology
For media inquiries, interviews, and further information contact media@jtcomms.co.za or call (011) 788 7632 or 083 954 6133
About the National School of the Arts:
The NSA is a Gauteng Department of Education School of Specialisation with over 50 years of excellence in arts education. Its four specialist departments (Art, Dance, Drama, and Music) provide comprehensive training that consistently produces graduates who excel across the spectrum of professional careers. The NSA is currently the top performing school in the district Joburg South.
#NSAMusicalHomecoming #ArtsEducation #SouthAfricanTalent #PerformingArts #CreativeEducation
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Author: Dee’s Harilal from JT Communication Solutions on behalf of National School of the Arts.
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