Jazz

latest news & developments

Sisonke Xonti finds his way back to the light

Acclaimed saxophonist Sisonke Xonti reflects on fatherhood, family loss, and finding resilience as he returns with his third studio album, uKholo.

Indelible storyteller: Pilani is a singer-songwriter, poet and TV presenter with seven albums behind her and an eighth on the way. She has a Sama on the shelf, four Netflix syncs to her name and performances in more than 25 countries across Europe and Africa.  She also founded the Folklore Festival. Photos: Supplied

Pilani Bubu is defying gravity

Award-winning musician Pilani Bubu has spent 15 years writing her own playbook. As she releases her introspective new single 'Caged Heart', she reflects on creative independence,…

Musical life: Miriam Altman started by playing classic music, opera . . . then corporate. Now she’s into jazz. Photos: Supplied

Miriam Altman is finding a voice beyond the boardroom

Known for her leadership in economics and business, Miriam Altman makes an unexpected pivot to jazz with her debut album, The Butterfly Project, exploring themes of renewal and…

Gig Guide: Sun Quintet return with Winter Sun, Olefied Khetha features Big Zulu on iStep Father Remix, 20 years of Back To The City and Vuyo Viwe is holding up a mirror of reflection

Back To The City marks 20 years with an all-star hip-hop line-up, alongside fresh releases from Sun Quintet, Olefied Khetha featuring Big Zulu, and Vuyo Viwe.

Joy of Jazz. Image supplied/Instagram

A weekend where jazz didn’t just play, but lived

The 27th Standard Bank Joy of Jazz delivered a transcendent weekend of music at the Sandton Convention Centre, bridging generations through standout international sets and an…

Living on: Busi Mhlongo's legacy is easy to hear in the voices of her descendants, the many musicians she inspired. Photos: Supplied

Three voices, one spirit: honouring Busi Mhlongo at Joy of Jazz

At the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, vocalists Zawadi Yamungu, Xolisa Dlamini, and Buhlebendalo join forces to celebrate the enduring legacy and fearless spirit of music icon Busi…

Nomfundo Xaluva-Dyantyis speaks about creative independence, the realities of streaming and why women need to understand the business behind their art

Nomfundo Xaluva-Dyantyis knows the value of owning her music

Jazz musician and scholar Nomfundo Xaluva-Dyantis discusses her latest album Ndilapha, creative autonomy, the realities of music streaming, and the importance of business…

Organic: Dyer isn't an artist who works to a fixed timeline. Traditions took its own unhurried route to completion. Photos: Supplied

Bokani Dyer looks back to move forward on ‘Traditions’

Jazz pianist Bokani Dyer reflects on turning 40 and delves into his South African musical inheritance, from struggle songs to his father's influence, on his new album Traditions.

New arrival: After more than 50 years in the music industry, Don Laka speaks about his latest album with the excitement of someone at the beginning of a journey rather than the end of one. Photos: Supplied

Don Laka’s ‘Invitation 2’ is a meeting point between generations

Nearly two decades after his seminal release, South African music legend Don Laka returns with 'Invitation 2', an expansive 24-track project bridging generations, genres, and…

Preview: Get a glimpse of Rorisang Sechele’s latest work shaped by growth, healing and self-discovery. Photo: Supplied

Gig Guide: Rorisang Sechele’s In Full Bloom at Untitled Basement, Gert-Johan Coetzee launches fragrance line and Zakes Bantwini takes Afro House to Anjunadeep

Get your essential dose of South African arts and culture news, featuring jazz vocalist Rorisang Sechele's upcoming 'In Full Bloom' performance, Grammy-winner Zakes Bantwini's…

Grooving: The trio explore the rich traditions of Afro-Cuban and Latin
jazz through their own contemporary interpretations. Photo: Supplied

Gig Guide: The Ultimate Camping Experience, Lu'Ah Live launches in Cape Town and The Modern Jazz Trio at Centre for Jazz and Popular Music

Discover a diverse array of events across South Africa, from the Modern Jazz Trio's 'A Night in Cuba' in Durban, exploring Afro-Cuban rhythms, to the launch of Lu'Ah Live's…

Zoë Modiga performing at the Homecoming Centrein Cape Town.Photo: Mageba OSoft Courtesy of Yelloëwax

Zoë Modiga turns Cape Town’s homecoming centre into a congregation

Pioneering singer-songwriter Zoë Modiga stunned Cape Town audiences with the launch of her self-produced fourth studio album, 'The Vault'. The experimental masterpiece, part of…

Gig Guide: Mpho.Wav reworks Bongi Dube's Go Around, Linda Sikhakhane to perform at Jozi Gold Brewing Company and Gospel Music Spotlight returns

Mpho.Wav is set to release his Afro House remix of Bongi Dube’s classic “Go Around” on July 24. Jazz saxophonist Linda Sikhakhane will perform at Jozi Gold Brewing Company on…

Gig Guide: Amahubo Ka Gogo by Brenda Mtambo, Jozi Gold Brewing Company welcomes Sydney Mavundla and King Monado teams up with Kaycherlow NLL on LAEF

Jozi Gold Brewing Co welcomes Sydney Mavundla South Africa’s jazz heritage continues to thrive at Jozi Gold Brewing Company, where the former home of the legendary The Orbit has…

After 13 years, Skyjack is still surprising itself

The title arrived after the music. Shane Cooper had already written the composition when he stumbled across a line in a poem by the 13th-century Persian poet Rumi. The poem was…