Since 2018, the UJ Weekend of Jazz has been the go-to festival for jazz lovers and newcomers alike. This bi-annual celebration brings together generations of music lovers and talented performers for an electrifying weekend. This year’s line-up promises to be a notable celebration of jazz, featuring three talented local artists, as well as an exclusive pre-event listening session on Sun, Aug 18 from 13:30, led by seasoned broadcaster Brenda Sisane in collaboration with Untitled Basement at UJ Arts Centre Theatre.
UJ Weekend of Jazz line-up
Thu, Aug 29 – Kick off your jazz journey with a bang as Metro FM Award 2024 Best Jazz Album of the Year winner, Mandla Mlangeni, and his dynamic band, Tune Recreation Committee (TRC), take to the stage. Experience the sounds of their latest album, The Future Is Now, and groove to the beats of drummer Joshua Klein, bassist Nicholas Williams, and guest guitarist, Vuma Levin.Fri, Aug 30 – Prepare to be mesmerised by Gabi Motuba. This South African jazz sensation will captivate your heart with her soulful vocals as she launches her highly anticipated album, The Sabbath. Let her music take you on a deeply emotional journey through loss, healing, and the art of storytelling.
Sat, Aug 31 – Wrap up your jazz weekend with an extraordinary performance by UJ Arts & Culture’s 2024 Artist in Residence, Keenan Meyer. Discover the magic of his new EP, Reawakening, and enjoy a double dose of jazz with a performance of tracks from his debut album, The Alchemy of Living.
Whether you're a jazz aficionado or a curious first-timer, this event is your chance to discover the rhythm, feel the soul, and be part of the magic of this genre. Tickets range from R180 – R230 p.p. (or get an all-access pass); grab yours here.