South African Jazz
latest news & developments
Abdullah Ibrahim didn't want you to request ‘Mannenberg’
A poignant reflection on the life and legacy of jazz maestro Abdullah Ibrahim, delving into his complex personality, his resistance to being defined by 'Mannenberg', and his…
Nduduzo Makhathini is not playing alone
From John Coltrane’s centenary to the O2 Arena with Black Coffee, Nduduzo Makhathini’s recent world tour was a masterclass in the cyclical, intergenerational nature of black music
Standard Bank Joy of Jazz reveals 2026 line-up as festival leans into legacy
From Angélique Kidjo to Thandiswa Mazwai, this year’s Joy of Jazz programme connects legacy acts with emerging voices across four curated stages
Gabi Motuba and the sound of sacred resistance
Gabi Motuba’s music stretches beyond jazz, transforming grief, memory and resistance into a spiritual sonic language rooted in black life and liberation
Back to love: Judith Sephuma on legacy, music and the long road home
From global stages to intimate performances, Judith Sephuma shares what has sustained her career and what she hopes to build
Montreux Jazz Festival makes African debut in Franschhoek
A legendary Swiss festival meets the Cape Winelands as Montreux launches its first African edition in Franschhoek with global stars and jazz visionaries
Jazz in Sync: Why Festival “Competition” Could Be South Africa’s Greatest Collaboration
As two major jazz festivals converge in the Western Cape, what seems like competition may reveal a deeper story of collaboration, resilience and creative possibility
Cape Town International Jazz Festival composes its new era
From jazz legends to amapiano pioneers, CTIJF 2026 reflects a festival evolving with the times while remaining rooted in its rich cultural legacy
Sabotage or Competition? Montreux Franschhoek Lands on Cape Town Jazz Festival Weekend
Two major jazz festivals. One weekend. The Western Cape’s music scene braces for an unusual clash between a global brand and a local institution.
Through the jazz lens: Vuyo Giba captures the spirit of South African sound
With her lens tuned to the heartbeat of South African jazz, Vuyo Giba transforms music into memory and sound into story
Diary: Back to the City Festival; Babalwa Mentjies; A Protea Is Not a Flower
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When jazz meets classical: Mzansi Chamber Music Collective unveils bold new commission
A daring collaboration between saxophonist Josie McClure, pianist Eugene Joubert and composer Conrad Asman premieres in Benoni with striking originality
Art, politics and integrity: The Standard Bank Young Artist Award then and now
Ahead of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, Kwanele Sosibo interviews this year’s music and jazz SBYA winners for their reflections on the history and meaning of the awards
Rooted in rhythm: Thandi Ntuli on heritage, jazz and artistic renewal
The musician reflects on a decade in jazz, the influence of heritage and how curiosity and daily rituals shape her artistry
Diary: Heritage Day at Zeitz MOCAA, Friends of Feya Faku in Durban, Poetry at Market Theatre
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