Here in Joburg, jazz music never really went out of style. There’s a roster of regular events dedicated to the city’s hepcats. Whether you’re after a full-on festival with all the trimmings or just somewhere intimate where you can sit back and relax, here are the top jazz music events in Johannesburg.
Jazz events in Johannesburg
The Mzansi Chamber Music Collective presents Scullery Quintet
The Chamber Music Collective promises a one-of-a-kind performance where the chamber sounds and jazz music collide. The Scullery Quintet is a crossover ensemble that blends the elegance of a classic string quartet with the dynamic energy of a jazz rhythm section.
The quintet is led by three-time SAMA award-winning drummer Peter Auret along with Waldo Luc Alexander, Hana Yim-Wahl, Tiisetso Mashishi, and Amaeshi Ikechi, who are musicians in their own right.
The music programme for the day reimagines works from Bach, Dvorák, Beethoven, Pat Metheny, Hugh Masekela, Radiohead, and more.
Cost: R250pp for adults, R200pp for pensioners and students, book via Quicket. Kids and teens under 21yrs get free access, email the team directly to book
When: Sunday, 6 July from 3pm to 5pm
Where: The Shed & Silo Country Restaurant, 77 Thomas Rd, Norton’s Home Estates, Benoni
Lumanyano Mzi’s Debut Performance at Untitled Basement
It’s going to be a truly special evening as Lumanyano “Mzi” Bizana debuts music from his long-awaited solo album Ithemba Elitsha (A New Hope). This award-winning South African-born drummer, composer and bandleader is now based in New York, which makes this performance quite rare. His band for the evening features Kevin Harris, Ciara Moser, Jean Straus, Isaac Ramagosa and special guest Spha Mdlalose.
Lumanyano’s musical story began in Cape Town at just six years old when he filled in for a missing drummer in his father’s reggae band. That moment changed everything. His path led to the South African College of Music and later to Berklee in the US.
Expect a powerful performance blending jazz, gospel, African sounds and deep personal reflections.
Cost: From R250pp, book via Quicket
When: Saturday, 12 July from 7pm to 12am
Where: Untitled Basement, 7 Reserve St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
The 9th Annual Mzantsi Jazz Awards
Each year, the Mzantsi Jazz Awards honour South African jazz legends while they’re still with us — celebrating their impact in real time. In 2025, the iconic Abigail Kubeka received special recognition for her lifelong contribution to music and the broader creative and cultural sector. A true inspiration.
Whether you’re a musician, a radio station championing jazz, an industry representative, or simply a lover of great music, you’re warmly invited to be part of this celebration. Jazz remains a vital thread in South Africa’s rich musical tapestry.
The 9th annual Mzantsi Jazz Awards were launched in a brief online presentation, where founder and managing director Dr Mongezi C. Makhalima reflected on the journey so far. He also shared exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into why this prestigious event is a key moment in Johannesburg’s jazz music calendar.
Cost: From R200pp to R350pp, book via Webtickets
When: Saturday, 30 August from 4pm
Where: University Of Johannesburg Arts Centre, Corner of Kingsway Ave and, University Rd, Auckland Park, Johannesburg
Kenny G LIVE at SunBet Arena
Kenny G is heading to South Africa this October for a much-anticipated tour that promises to enchant audiences with his signature smooth sax sounds. Performing in major cities across the country, the Grammy Award-winning artist is set to deliver an unforgettable experience, whether you’re a lifelong admirer or discovering his music for the first time.
Kenny G is one of the best-selling instrumentalists in history, boasting over 75 million albums sold worldwide. His timeless hits, including “Songbird” and “Forever in Love,” have earned him global recognition and a devoted following. South African audiences will now have the rare chance to witness his talent live on stage.
The tour will feature his most cherished classics alongside new material from his latest album. Expect a mesmerising evening of emotive improvisation and world-class jazz music in Johannesburg and beyond.
“It’s been way too long since our last visit to South Africa,” Kenny G shared. “We had an incredible time performing for such a warm and passionate audience. We are really looking forward to finally coming back to share our music with all of you again.”
Cost: From R795pp, book via Webtickets
When: Saturday, 4 October from 8pm
Where: Sunbet Arena, Times Square, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
The Mzansi Chamber Music Collective presents Malané Hofmeyr-Burger and the Charl du Plessis Trio
Renowned flautist Malané Hofmeyr-Burger and the acclaimed Charl du Plessis Trio will host an extraordinary evening where classical meets jazz in a genre-defying crossover performance.
The programme centres around Claude Bolling’s Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano Trio — a vibrant seven-movement work that effortlessly blends Baroque elegance with the spirit of jazz and the freshness of contemporary styles.
Adding to the magic, the trio will perform their inventive interpretation of two movements from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, reimagined with flair, finesse, and a touch of jazz spontaneity.
The evening reaches its crescendo with Marion’s Suite by Raymond Guiot — a dynamic collection of five contrasting movements, rich in texture and bursting with musical energy.
Expect a night of virtuosic performances, bold collaborations, and a celebration of jazz music in Johannesburg like you’ve never heard before.
Cost: R250pp for adults, R200pp for pensioners and students, book via Quicket. Kids and teens under 21yrs get free access, email the team directly to book
When: Sunday, 14 December from 3pm to 5pm
Where: The Shed & Silo Country Restaurant, 77 Thomas Rd, Norton’s Home Estates, Benoni
Jazz music festivals in Johannesburg
Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra Symphonic Jazz Festival
In celebration of Heritage Month, the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra Symphonic Jazz Festival invites you to this year’s vibrant world of South African jazz. The festival takes place at the Linder Auditorium and serves a rich tapestry of jazz music that honours the country’s beautiful musical heritage.
The 2024 edition featured a performance of the ‘SA Symphonic Jazz Songbook,’ conducted by the acclaimed Marcus Wyatt. The JPO and ZAR Orchestra presented a grand selection of South African jazz classics, including works by Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, and Abdullah Ibrahim, alongside contemporary artists like Feya Faku and Benjamin Jephta.
Cost: To be confirmed
When: September 2025 – dates to be confirmed
Where: Linder Auditorium, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, Johannesburg
Standard Bank Joy of Jazz
The Standard Bank Joy of Festival is one of Africa’s premier jazz festivals in Johannesburg. Jazz lovers will be reintroduced to the music, while novices discover the magic of jazz.
You can also look forward to multi-award-winning talent from Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz award alumnus, which is another highlight of the annual show. Artist lineup TBA.
Cost: To be confirmed
When: 26 to 28 September 2025
Where: Sandton Convention Centre, 161 Maude Street, Sandton, Gauteng
See our weekly newsletter for all the updates
