JCQ Productions is proud to announce that the Cape Town Jazzathon will once again take place at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre, from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 January 2025.
The Cape Town Jazzathon, which recently celebrated its 27th Anniversary in 2024, is one of the longest running music festivals in South Africa.
The annual, FREE to public festival, will host up-and-coming live bands, newly discovered talent, and as per usual, features a few surprise artists and Jazzathon Legends.
Now a regular feature at The Cape Town Jazzathon, the Sunday line-up is like prime real estate, with the immensely popular “Gospel According Jazzathon” always leaving one spoilt for choice. Other confirmed times for acts include Jits Ologie will be on stage on 11th Jan at 15h00 live on stage with:
Winston Siljeur Artist
Chanté Phillips
Nikita Ashleen Scott
Daniel Petersen
NBA Musiek
We spoke to matriculant Alex Carolissen who will be playing at the festival on Friday 10th of Jan at 14h45.
The band accompanying me is made up of three members, forming the MD Trio.
They consist of Charlton Abrahams, Mikyle Daries and Elton Abrahams. A friend of mine, Michael de Goede, as well as Heinrich Frans will also be accompanying us in some songs.
Comment Alex “I will be doing two of my own compositions – Come To Me and Caved In.
I will also be doing Best Part by Daniel Caesar, All I Do and Ribbon In The Sky by Stevie Wonder, American Boy by Estelle and Is It A Crime by Sade
My style is a mix of R&B and neo-soul with a jazz influence.
We chatted prior to her show on Friday.
What is your purpose?
I’ve been thinking about this a lot recently. And frankly, as a young person, it’s safe to say that is a tough one. Maybe it’s fulfilling the dreams and aspirations I have or maybe it’s figuring out what those are…
What does music mean to you?
Music has always been a big part of my life. My grandfather has had a huge impact on my love for music after having played solely jazz my entire life. He is a wealth of knowledge that just keeps on giving.
My music is about…
Personal experiences that I know many will be able to relate to. It’s a way to say, “You are not alone”, but is also a way for me to express myself.
What is your motto?
“Stop shrinking to fit in places you have outgrown.”
Fame is about?
Having a positive impact on those around you, as well as those who hear about or listen to your music. It’s also about using your platform and creating art to speak to masses and address issues that need attention amongst your target audience.
Retirement will happen when.
My back gives in. (Truth is it’s already bad, but I mean when it gets worse!)
I don’t do.
Beetroot. Someone please explain. I don’t get it.
I would love to co-write with…
Mi Casa and Laufey – two very different genres but two of my favourite artists.
Where do you go for inspiration to create?
I tend to find a lot of inspiration from people and their experiences, especially their experiences in love. Love is a crazy thing. Love is a difficult thing. But love is also a powerful thing.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?
Hearing my instrumental track come together is definitely the highlight of making music for me. It’s like I get transported to a different world when I hone in on the music.
The song you must do during every show?
As of right now I am only doing covers of songs and haven’t performed my original songs yet, but I’ll choose my go-to karaoke song and definitely say “Is It A Crime” by Sade.
Any funny moments on stage?
If by “funny” it means “catastrophic yet humorous”, then no (as of right now). And I know it’s not possible, but I really hope there never will be any “funny” moments on stage.
My heroes are?
My dad. He is who I run to when things get tough.
My style icon is.
Whatever feels right on the day.
Which living person do you admire most and why?
I’d say my grandmother. She is so incredibly strong and has been through so much but remains the sweet, caring, loving woman she is. She is one of my favourite people and has shown me an image of the type of person I want to be one day.
What is your most treasured possession?
A ring that I got from my dad on my 13th birthday. I never take it off.
It’s your round; what are you drinking?
I don’t drink like that, count me out! Invite me when you go out for cocktails.
Dream gig to do?
As of right now I would absolutely love to perform at the ball drop in Times Square. But I think I’ll change my mind in a few years.
What makes you stand out?
My hair. I’ve got a lot of it…
Any nicknames?
Lexi, Lex, Alexis, Alec (I don’t know how people have managed to shorten “Alex”).
If you were not a musician, what would you do?
A tattoo artist? Or maybe a criminologist.
Pick five words to describe yourself?
Fun, outgoing, creative, lively, authentic
Five must have songs on your Spotify playlist please
“Doo Wop” – Lauryn Hill
“Ribbon In The Sky” – Stevie Wonder
“Singularity” – BTS
“Only Girl In The World” – Rihanna
“Neon” – John Mayer
Greatest Movie Ever Made?
Has to be Tangled.
What book are you reading?
The last book I read was The Theory of Flight. Truth be told, I only read it because it was my set work for my English final and I haven’t touched another book since. However, there are a few Adrian McKinty books on my list.
What song changed your life?
“Is It A Crime” by Sade. This song has a big influence on my style of music and singing.
Who do you love?
The people I spend the most time with. I would give my life for them.
What is your favorite Word?
It’s not really one word, but it’s repeating “wow” as many times as I can until someone tells me to stop. Typed out, it would look like this: wowowowowowowowow.
Top of your bucket list?
International travel with my friends.
Your greatest achievement?
Completing high school in 2024 year. I’m so glad that’s over.
What do you complain about most often?
Being hungry or not knowing what to wear even though I spend all my money on food or clothes.
What is your biggest fear?
I will lose those I love.
Happiness is?
Sushi on the beach at sunset.
On stage, I tend to?
Freak out. I have terrible stage fright!
The best life lesson you have learned?
I should start showing up not as who I am now, but as who I want myself to be one day. It’s an image of my “higher self”.
What has been your favorite journey so far?
My trip to Japan in 2023. I made new friends and memories I will never forget. I smile every time I remember that trip.
Do you do charity work, and if you do – what do you do?
I occasionally work with my parents who own an NPO – The Father’s Heart Community Development. I do drama and dance after school programmes with the children who are part of their programme.
Wishes and dreams?
I would love to get married to the love of my life and have children of my own one day.
Social media link
https://www.instagram.com/damnit_.alex/
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