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GEORGE NEWS - Cape Town Jazzathon featured local guitarist Germaine Leonard and the Fanatics SA, also from George, during their Summer Showcase last weekend, 12 to 14 January.
Having his name on the programme for the festival, which he headlined, was a prestigious honour and dream come true, said Leonard, who teaches music at George High and runs his own music academy.
The other band members of Fanatics SA also made their debut on the Jazzathon stage and consider it a memorable experience and a highlight in their musical careers.
The other band members are Wilton Oktober (keyboard), Alfonso Julius (drums) and Marco Plaatjies (bass).
PHOTO GALLERY - Germaine Leonard takes the stage at Cape Town Jazzathon
Fanatics SA: Alfonso Julius (drums), Marco Plaatjies (bass), Germaine Leonard (guitar) and Wilton Oktober (keys).
The year started for them with the Jazzathon in Cape Town, soon to be followed by a performance at the Matroosfontein Jazz Reunion in February and the KKNK in March. The band is managed by Jade Fillies.
"This is the first time that I've participated in the Jazzathon as an artist, with my name on the programme," said Leonard.
"What makes this special is the fact that I've yearned to be part of this event for years, since I was a little boy, and have always hoped I would get an opportunity one day. I am forever grateful for the opportunity. I could play my own music on this specific platform - it is a stamp of approval for any jazz musician."
Wilton Oktober, one of the band members of Fanatics SA, on keys.
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