Silent Treatment by House on the Hill: All You Need to Know About This New Jazz Project

House on the Hill presents Silent Treatment – a South African jazz community installation running at the Goethe-Institut from 24 April to 15 August 2025. The installation features a photographic exhibition, a book launch and exclusive performances, capturing the true character of the South African jazz musician through portraits and narratives. Here’s what you need to know about the installation.

What's on in Joburg Goethe-Institut House on the Hill’s ‘Silent Treatment’ Marcus Wyatt — Marcus Wyatt

What to expect from the Silent Treatment installation

Silent Treatment is a 4-month-long multidisciplinary arts project celebrating the diversity and creativity of South African jazz. This compelling exhibition brings together curated photographic and textual installations that document the journey of the House on the Hill Jazz Community Showcase Series, split into 24 episodes.

Each set of 6 episodes is showcased monthly, complemented by a live, intimate acoustic performance from featured artists of the series. These performances happen in a uniquely curated “silent space” with cozy, informal seating — think cushions and beanbags instead of rows of chairs.

The exhibition includes:

24 chronologically arranged episodes with photographs and narratives
Artist quotes and descriptive text
QR codes linking to each corresponding performance on the House on the Hill YouTube channel

The series concludes with the book launch of ‘Silent Treatment’ on 8 August, featuring an exclusive live performance by South African jazz icon Khaya Mahlangu. The book and prints will be available for purchase in both signed and unsigned editions.

The installation is created and curated by Marcus Wyatt (photography & concept) and Romy Brauteseth (design & curation), both Johannesburg-based jazz musicians and creators of the YouTube series.

**The Silent Treatment live event and exhibition schedule:**

What's on in Joburg Goethe-Institut House on the Hill’s ‘Silent Treatment’ Spha Mdlalose — Spha Mdlalose | Image by Marcus Wyatt

Spha Mdlalose and Titi Luzipo live + Exhibition Part 1

Kicking off the Silent Treatment live event series are the phenomenal vocalists Spha Mdlalose and Titi Luzipo who will be performing as a duo. They are joined by Lungelo Ngcobo (Rhodes) and Sthembiso Bhengu (trumpet). Expect rich, soul-nourishing melodies in an intimate acoustic setting.

Exhibition part 1 features Episodes 1 to 6 of the Jazz Community Showcase Series, which are divided as follows:

Episode 1 – Thandi Ntuli featuring Shane Cooper and Nompumelelo Nhlapo
Episode 2 – Vuma Levin featuring Sisonke Xonti
Episode 3 – Billy Monama featuring Themba Mokoena
Episode 4 – Carlo Mombelli featuring Marcus Wyatt, Keenan Ahrends and Ayanda Sikade
Episode 5 – Yonela Mnana featuring Kabelo Monnathebe and Gontse Makhene
Episode 6 – Sydney Mavundla featuring Afrika Mkhize and Amaeshi Ikechi

Cost: FREE entry, though booking is required for the live concert via Quicket

When: Live event 1 is on Thursday, 24 April 2025 from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. The exhibition opens on 24 April from 7.30pm to 9.30pm and closes on 19 May 2025
Where: Goethe-Institut South Africa, 119 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg

What's on in Joburg Goethe-Institut House on the Hill’s ‘Silent Treatment’ Carlo Mombelli by Marcus Wyatt — Carlo Mombelli | Image by Marcus Wyatt

Carlo Mombelli live + Exhibition Part 2

The second live event is a powerful collaboration featuring jazz greats Carlo Mombelli (bass), Tlale Makhene (percussion/voice), and Marcus Wyatt (trumpet/flugel). These lockdown compositions combine moody reflections, rhythmic depth, and spontaneous creativity.

Exhibition part 2 features Episodes 7 to 12 of the Jazz Community Showcase Series, which are divided as follows:

Episode 7 – Tlale Makhene featuring Nathi Shongwe, Tshego AMG and Vuyo Manyike
Episode 8 – Mthunzi Mvubu featuring Neil Engel, Dalisu Ndlazi and Sphelelo Mazibuko
Episode 9 – Benjamin Jephta featuring Simon Manana and Keenan Ahrends
Episode 10 – Peter Auret, David Cousins and Amaeshi Ikechi
Episode 11 – Andre Petersen and Bokani Dyer
Episode 12 – Bheki Khoza featuring Lex Futshane and Siphiwe Shiburi

Cost: FREE entry, though booking for the live concert is required via Quicket

When: Live event 2 is on Thursday, 22 May 2025 from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. The exhibition opens on 22 May from 7.30pm to 9.30pm and closes on 17 June 2025
Where: Goethe-Institut South Africa, 119 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg

What's on in Joburg Goethe-Institut House on the Hill’s ‘Silent Treatment’ Yonela Mnana by Marcus Wyatt — Yonela Mnana | Image by Marcus Wyatt

Yonela Mnana and Threequency live + Exhibition Part 3

Live event 3 features visionary pianist and vocalist Yonela Mnana, performing with his trio Threequency, featuring Gontse Makhene (percussion) and Lebogang Ledwaba (violin) to create a truly original sonic experience.

Exhibition part 3 features Episodes 13 to 18 of the Jazz Community Showcase Series, which are divided as follow:

Episode 13 – Malcolm Jiyane ‘Uprize’ featuring Amukelani, Ariel Zamonsky and Gontse Makhene
Episode 14 – Manana & SN Project featuring Lwanda Gogwana and Romy Brauteseth
Episode 15 – Tshepo Tsotetsi featuring Viwe Mkizwana and S’kumbuzo Mbhele
Episode 16 – Ziza Muftic featuring Graeme Sacks and Concord Nkabinde
Episode 17 – Linda Sikhakhane featuring Jude Harpstar, Dalisu Ndlazi and Tumi Mogorosi
Episode 18 – Neil Gonsalves featuring Talent Mbatha and Riley Giandhari

Cost: FREE entry, though booking for the live concert is required via Quicket

When: Live event 3 is on Friday, 20 June 2025 from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Exhibition part 3 opens on 20 June from 7.30pm to 9.30pm and closes on 21 July 2025
Where: Goethe-Institut South Africa, 119 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg

What's on in Joburg Goethe-Institut House on the Hill’s ‘Silent Treatment’ Vuma Levin by Marcus Wyatt — Vuma Levin | Image by Marcus Wyatt

Vuma Levin and Sisonke Xonti live + Exhibition Part 4

The closing event of the series includes a magical performance by Vuma Levin (guitar) and Sisonke Xonti (tenor sax) – a duo that blends lush melodies, layered loops, and masterful improvisation. Expect a night of deep mood and texture.

Exhibition part 4 features Episodes 19 to 24 of the Jazz Community Showcase Series, which are divided as follow:

Episode 19 – Khaya Mahlangu featuring Sanele Phakathi, Benjamin Jephta and Sphelelo Mazibuko
Episode 20 – Gally Ngoveni and Nico Phooko
Episode 21 – MoAfrika Wa Mokgathi ‘Kiba Trio’ featuring Sthembiso Bhengu and Thembinkosi Mavimbela
Episode 22 – Mac McKenzie featuring Kabelo Mothlomi, Peter Jaspan and Daliwonga Tshangela
Episode 23 – Spha Mdlalose & Titi Luzipo featuring Sthembiso Bhengu and Lungelo Ngcobo
Episode 24 – Feya Faku featuring Bokani Dyer and Shane Cooper

Cost: FREE entry, though booking for the live concert is required via Quicket

When: The live event is on Thursday, 24 July 2025 from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. The exhibition opens on 24 July from 7.30pm to 9.30pm and closes on 5 August 2025
Where: Goethe-Institut South Africa, 119 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg

Goethe-Institut House on the Hill’s ‘Silent Treatment’ Khaya Mahlangu by Marcus Wyatt — Khaya Mahlangu | Image by Marcus Wyatt

Khaya Mahlangu live + ‘Silent Treatment’ book launch

This is the official launch of the ‘Silent Treatment’ limited edition book and features the iconic saxophonist, composer, and arranger Khaya Mahlangu and a fresh new quartet featuring Benjamin Jephta on bass, Sanele Phakathi on keys and Sphelelo Mazibuko on drums.

Cost: FREE entry, though booking is required via Quicket

When: Friday, 8 August 2025 from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. Exhibition ends on 15 August 2025
Where: Goethe-Institut South Africa, 119 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg