The curtain goes up at the State Theatre in February with a series of Jazz and Musical Nights. Musician; composer; producer; and teacher, Selaelo Selota, will open the first Jazz and African Music Night on 5 February 5. He will be sharing the stage with Norman Chauke, jazz pianist and a graduate from The London School of Music.

Cape Town-born composer and jazz artist, Paul Hammer, and Ngwako Manamela will take over the stage on 19 February. Manamela is considered by many musicians as the best vibraphone and marimba instruments player in South Africa.

The last performance of Jazz and African Music Nights will be on Friday, 26 February with Mohau Kekana and bassist Ernest Motlhe. Kekana was awarded a prize for ranking amongst the top six in an international piano scholarship competition in 2001.

Jazz lovers should also watch for the likes of Musa Manzini; Concord Nkabinde; Andile Yenana; Oupa Makhubele; and Mpumi Dhlamini, to mention a few, in the coming months.

Performances will start at 20:15 and tickets are available for R60 at Computicket and at the door on the night for R80.