Artist Nathaniel, a South African jazz guitarist, composer, and founder of 7piece Band

1. Stage Setup
Clean, secure stage area with adequate lighting
Minimum space for solo setup or ensemble (if applicable)
Access to power outlets near performance area
2. Sound Equipment
Guitar Amplifier: Fender Twin Reverb, Roland JC-120, or equivalent clean-tone amp
DI Box: For direct guitar input if amp mic’ing is not preferred
Microphone: One vocal mic (if speaking or singing is part of the set)
Monitor: One floor wedge or in-ear monitor with clear guitar mix
3. Power Supply
Grounded power source for pedalboard and amplifier
Minimum of two power outlets near guitar station
4. Soundcheck & Load-In
Minimum 45 minutes for soundcheck
Load-in access at least 2 hours before performance
FOH engineer preferred for optimal sound balance
5. Hospitality (Optional but Appreciated)
Bottled water (room temperature)
Light snacks (fruit, nuts, sandwiches)
Secure green room or resting area

1. Contact & Access Details
Venue name, address, and GPS coordinates
Primary contact person (name, role, phone, email)
Load-in and load-out access points
Parking availability for artists and crew
2. Stage & Setup Specs
Stage dimensions and layout
Stage height and flooring type
Backline availability (e.g., amps, drum kit, keyboard)
On-stage power outlets and voltage compatibility
3. Sound & Tech Infrastructure
PA system specs (brand, wattage, coverage)
Monitor system (floor wedges or in-ear options)
FOH engineer availability and soundcheck schedule
Microphone and DI box availability
Lighting setup (basic wash, spotlight, effects)
4. Performance Logistics
Set time(s) and duration
Other acts on the bill (if applicable)
Rehearsal or soundcheck time allocation
Audience capacity and seating arrangement
5. Hospitality & Amenities
Dressing room or green room availability
Refreshments (water, snacks, meals)
Wi-Fi access for digital setup or streaming

Thank you for your question. I do not provide sound and lighting equipment directly. However, I’m happy to share my technical rider and coordinate with your team to ensure all requirements are clearly communicated and smoothly executed. I always aim to make setup as efficient and artistically aligned as possible.

Spotify/DJ Service Availability Yes, I’m able to provide a curated Spotify playlist or DJ-style music before and between my sets, depending on the venue’s technical setup. This can include Afro-jazz classics, contemporary jazz selections, or tracks that complement the mood of the performance.

Requirements:

Access to the venue’s sound system via AUX or Bluetooth

Stable internet connection (if streaming live) or permission to use pre-downloaded playlists

Advance notice to tailor the playlist to the event’s theme or audience

If preferred, I can also coordinate with the venue’s DJ or sound team to ensure smooth transitions and a cohesive musical atmosphere.

The best gig was the emotional resonance. It was a night when my guitar spoke louder than words, when the audience leaned in and felt every note. Perhaps it was a township jazz festival where the energy was raw and electric, or an intimate set where someone came up afterward and said, “That moved me.”

I’ve been played in spaces that breathe with history — a heritage theatre in Joburg, and in a tucked-away jazz lounge in Cape Town where the acoustics wrapped around my sound like silk. the best venue was simply one where the spirit was right, the sound was clean, and the connection was real

Cape town Jazz Festival

My Journey into Gigging

I started my musical journey on the keyboard at age 13, but it was the guitar that truly became my voice. As I grew into jazz, I found myself drawn to the emotional depth and storytelling power of Afro-jazz — a sound that felt like home and possibility all at once.

My first gigs were humble, often in intimate venues or community spaces where the audience was close enough to feel every note. I led bands, collaborated with other artists, and slowly built a reputation for performances that weren’t just technically sound, but emotionally resonant. Each gig taught me something — about listening, leading, and letting the music breathe.

Over time, I founded my own label to give structure to my vision and support emerging talent. Gigging became more than just performing — it became a way to connect, to teach, and to honor the legacy of jazz in South Africa and beyond.

George Benson – His fluid guitar phrasing and vocal-guitar interplay are legendary. A masterclass in elegance and groove.
Jonathan Butler – A fellow South African whose blend of jazz, gospel, and R&B carries emotional weight and cultural pride.
Wes Montgomery – His thumb-picked style and melodic sophistication are foundational for any jazz guitarist.

Fela Kuti – Though more Afrobeat than jazz, his rhythmic complexity and political fire likely echo in your Afro-jazz explorations.

Bheki Mseleku – A South African jazz visionary whose spiritual depth and improvisational brilliance are magnetic.

Would you say any of these artists have shaped your sound or philosophy?

🎤 Favourite Artist
If I had to guess based on your emotional depth and narrative style, your favourite artist might be someone who doesn’t just play — they speak through their instrument. Maybe Pat Metheny for his cinematic textures, or Norman Brown for his cultural storytelling. But I’d love to hear who truly holds that t

I usually require 60–90 minutes for setup, depending on the venue’s technical readiness. This includes soundcheck, stage layout, and final adjustments to ensure the guitar tones and ensemble balance are dialed in. If I’m performing with a full band, I coordinate staggered arrivals to streamline the process.

Performance Duration: My sets typically run between 45 minutes to 90 minutes, tailored to the event format.

For festivals or showcase slots: 45–60 minutes

For headline performances or curated evenings: 75–90 minutes, often with a short intermission if needed

Flexibility: I’m adaptable to different formats — from intimate acoustic sets to full-band Afro-jazz experiences — and I always aim to honor the flow of the event while delivering a musically rich and emotionally resonant performance.

Absolutely — performing outdoors can be a beautiful experience, especially when the setting complements the music. Whether it’s a sunlit garden stage, a twilight rooftop, or a cultural festival under the stars, I’m happy to adapt my setup to suit the environment.

Here’s how I typically approach outdoor performances:

🌿 Outdoor Performance Readiness
Sound Setup: I coordinate with the venue to ensure proper amplification and weather-resistant gear. If needed, I bring my own DI box and monitor preferences.

Weather Contingencies: I request basic cover (like a gazebo or canopy) to protect instruments and electronics from sun or rain.

Power Access: I confirm access to stable power sources ahead of time, especially for guitar amps and any additional equipment.

Audience Engagement: Outdoor spaces often invite a more relaxed, interactive vibe — perfect for Afro-jazz storytelling and improvisation.

🎶 Repertoire & Client Input
While I bring a carefully curated repertoire rooted in Afro-jazz, traditional jazz standards, and original compositions, I’m always open to client input. Music is a shared experience, and I believe in tailoring the performance to suit the mood, audience, and occasion.

Here’s how I typically approach it:

Core Setlist: I prepare a foundational set that reflects my artistic identity — emotionally rich, rhythmically engaging, and culturally resonant.

Client Requests: If clients have specific songs, themes, or moods in mind, I’m happy to incorporate them with advance notice. Whether it’s a tribute, a favorite standard, or a cultural piece, I’ll adapt where possible.

Custom Moments: For weddings, corporate events, or festivals, I often include one or two bespoke pieces that reflect the event’s spirit — sometimes even composing something unique.

Improvisational Flow: As a jazz artist, I embrace spontaneity. If the energy shifts mid-performance, I’m ready to p

Previous clients often describe my performances as:

Emotionally Resonant – “You don’t just play the guitar — you speak through it.” Audiences often mention feeling deeply moved, as if the music tells their own stories.

Culturally Rich – My Afro-jazz blend is frequently praised for honoring tradition while pushing creative boundaries. Clients appreciate the authenticity and storytelling woven into each set.

Professionally Delivered – From setup to final note, I’m known for being punctual, respectful, and technically prepared. Organizers often comment on the ease of working with me.

Engaging & Dynamic – Whether it’s an intimate venue or a large outdoor stage, I adapt to the energy of the space. Clients love how I interact with the audience and create a shared experience.

Memorable – Many say my performances linger long after the event — not just as music, but as moments.