The story of jazz, especially in South Africa is one riddled with questions on innovativeness.

For many veterans, new jazz acts raise an eyebrow or two.  Some will ask, ‘Is it jazz?’ and others ‘Is it classical?’

But are those questions important?

The past weekend saw classical jazz and new sound jazz audiences mixing together.

American singer Erykah Badu was a big draw card to the 15 Cape Town Jazz Festival. But South African musicians left an indelible mark on a lot of fans

The Cape Town International Convention Centre vibrated throughout the weekend across the various stages.

With veteran muso, Jonas Gwangwa leaving many mesmerised.

DJ Black Coffee drew also the not so jazzy crowd when he played with a serious music engagement. Black Coffee has become the poster-child for the accessible, forward-thinking and provocative house trend that is taking over the country.

Jazzing up the classics was acapella group The Soil who are often being neither one thing nor the other or, more importantly, legitimate aesthetically.

Overall it was a fully engaging experience.