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.
The House on the Hill’s ‘Silent Treatment’ jazz series on YouTube
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
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 jazz music 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
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
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
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