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South African jazz is celebrated worldwide for its distinct take on one of the most celebrated music genres in the world. Defined by unusual time signatures and note progressions that are influenced by township funk and jive, South African jazz is almost immediately identifiable as being uniquely ours, says Bret Dugmore of one of Joburg's coolest record stores Mr Vinyl at 44 Stanley. Get a taste of Johannesburg’s Jazz Soundscape with his Spotify playlist.
Jazz in Johannesburg today is an exciting space of collaboration and diversity and finding a jazz evening or event is a highly recommended night out on the town. Saying that, it's not always a given that you will find a spot every night of the week to hear the sounds of jazz but we've given you plenty of recommendations below. Make sure to call ahead or check the latest updates on each venue's social media pages for the latest events.
Equally, there is a strong jazz DJ culture in the city keeping the jazz scene alive with vinyl-only sets, with the likes of Mxolisi Makhubo, Vusi Hlatshwayo, DJ Bob, Charles Leonard, so give their accounts a follow on Instagram to see where they are playing next.
Where to shop for Vinyl
For Jazz music shopping, it’s a little easier to find music on vinyl in Johannesburg nowadays than it is to find it on CD. Visit Mr Vinyl, Record Mad or Vinyl Junkie for jazz on vinyl. A visit to Microgram should yield jazz on CD. If you’re a cassette collector, ask at the counter of each store if they’ve got anything available – you might be surprised at what is stashed away in boxes under the shelves.Where to listen to live jazz in Joburg
From laid-back neighbourhood favourite the Blind Tiger Café in Parkview, to the effortlessly cool underground music venue Untitled Basement bar in Braamfontein, to the grand dame of the live music and dining scene, The Marabi Club in Maboneng, here's our guide.Jazz in Joburg gig guide
Start by signing up for the Jazz in Joburg gig guide. Wanting to promote the local jazz scene and bridge the gap between performers and fans, jazz photographer Jonathon Rees started the Jazz in Joburg gig guide on Whatsapp. His aim was to build a central and accessible platform for sharing live jazz event information with like-minded jazz aficionados and casual fans alike. His motto is, "If it is live and jazz and in Joburg then I post it to the group." He gets the inside scoop from musicians, promoters, venues, and other social media groups and shares the information directly with members of the Whatsapp group. You can join the group by sending Jonathon a Whatsapp message at +27 76 185 1827.Bertrand Cafe, Maboneng
This welcoming French café in Maboneng was inspired by the café culture found in the artsy Latin Quarter of Paris where its two genial French-Congolese owners lived before moving to Joburg. There's a basic French café menu, jazz on the stereo, good coffee and wine (the all-important Parisian essentials) plus plenty of tables on the pavement for enjoying Maboneng's colourful streetlife. Their stage plays home to a number of live jazz performances; keep an eye on their Instagram account for up-to-date information.Blind Tiger Café, Parkview
chiesa di PAZZO LUPi, Melville
This may be a welcoming shared office and event space in Melville for entrepreneurs, self-starters, independents, and freelance professionals who want to stay networked but it also doubles a venue for performances with a cute coffee shop and an array of services on the property. Keep an eye on their Instagram or Facebook pages for details of upcoming performances.Kings Kraal, Bryanston
Kings Kraal is a jazz and live music venue in Bryanston where you can expect to be served traditional African food. Follow them on Instagram for news on their Wednesday comedy nights, Sunday lunches, and upcoming live music events. No under 21s and bokings are essential.Mix Cocktail Bar, Rosebank
The Marabi Club, Maboneng
Untitled Basement, Braamfontein
Located in the basement of The Artivist bar and restaurant in Braamfontein is another separate cocktail bar and events space, The Untitled Basement, used for private parties and speciality concerts curated by The Artivist's owners, DJs Kenzhero and Bradley Williams. Follow their Instagram page for more information on the latest shows, from DJ sets and live performances that span genres including jazz, to comedy specials and even jam sessions. Dates and times for select events vary and tickets are usually available for purchase online in advance and at the door.Six Cocktail Bar, Melville
Celebrated trumpeter, composer and bandleader Marcus Wyatt hosts regular jam sessions at Six on Wednesdays from 20:00. To book call +27 83 623 7950.The Jazz Room at Doppio Zero, Rosebank
The Doppio Zero Rosebank location opened the doors to its own dedicated live music space in February 2021, The Jazz Room, where they host a series of live music performances every week. Each month they release a fresh line-up of jazz shows featuring different artists. Fridays from 18:30 to 21:30. Tickets can be purchased in advance on TIXSA.Niki's Oasis Restaurant and Jazz Bar, Newtown
Niki's Oasis Restaurant and Jazz Bar is a longstanding jazz lounge and restaurant in Newtown, located directly across from the Market Square Theatre. Niki's is the go-to spot for catching new and up-and-coming local jazz artists, especially during their regular Jazzy Nights at Niki's live music events series. Follow their Instagram page for news and event information. Jazzy Nights take place on Fridays and a ticket fee applies. For reservations, contact +27 67 881 3054.eDikeni Sandton
This Sandton restaurant launched just as the world went into lockdown in March 2020 – and through that baptism of fire, has survived and thrived. Check out their Instagram page to find out about gigs, or call them on +27 10 226 9656 and email them at info@edikeni.africa.Riboville Boutique Hotel, Midrand
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