Hilton Schilder

Cape Town born composer, pianist/keyboards multi-instrumentalist, and raconteur Hilton Schilder, is always producing something new.  His mastery with 16 indigenous and conventional instruments is renowned. Hilton has undoubtedly helped to mould the sound of what is now known as Cape Jazz. This globally recognised artist has featured on more than 40 Jazz, Rock, Punk, Goema, World Music and Classical albums.

Schilder was born into a musical family – his father was well-known pianist and bandleader, Tony Schilder.  His love of music and curiosity was ignited at an early age, playing drums at 3 years old, with his craft subsequently being heavily influenced by his surroundings, which have led him to describe himself as being a “mind freedom fighter”.  

Joining him at Journey to Jazz in 2025 are:

Violinist Shaheema Lakay, a Stellenbosch University graduate (2017), who honed her violin skills under Dr. Suzanne Martens and through masterclasses with Alexander Gilman, Madeline Adkins, and Nicolas Dautricourt. She has performed with prestigious ensembles like the African United Youth Orchestra, which debuted at Carnegie Hall in 2024, and participated in international festivals, including the Cape Town International Jazz Festival and the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival. Shaheema has also toured Germany and South Africa with the Rhineland-Palatinate Youth Orchestra (LJO).

Clayton Norman Pretorius – a 22-year-old bass guitarist from Cape Town, who has already made waves in South Africa’s music scene. In addition to Hilton, he has performed alongside icons such as Tete Mbambisa, gaining mentorship from these luminaries. His resume includes the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, Afrofest Cape Town, and a European tour with the Little Giants Band, marking him as a rising star in the jazz world.

Kurt Bowers – drummer, who began playing at 10, rooted in gospel music, before jazz captured his heart in high school.  A UCT graduate in music education, Kurt has performed on prominent stages like the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, Oslo Jazz Festival, and Beijing World Tutti Festival. He has played with ensembles such as the Little Giants,  and the UCT Big Band. Recognised by the Standard Bank National Youth Bands in 2012 and 2014, Kurt continues to evolve as a dynamic force in the music world.

 

This globally recognised artist has featured on more than 40 Jazz, Rock, Punk, Goema, World Music and Classical albums.