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
Kids Love Jazz Tour
Kids Love Jazz is a vibrant music series that aims to make jazz accessible and enjoyable for all ages.
It’s founded by Vuyo McGlad of NarowBi, and it features a blend of modern jazz, African rhythms, R&B, and hip-hop aimed at a fresh and youthful audience.
The event provides great music, good food, fashion, and art pop-ups, creating a space that everyone can enjoy.
Cost: R350 – R400. Book online
When: Tuesday 16 June 2026 from 2pm – 10pm
Where: The Playground, 73 Juta St, Johannesburg
Hugh’s Jazz Club Series
Hugh’s Jazz Club is a premium world-class club designed by Play Braamfontein in collaboration with the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation venue, paying homage to Hugh Masekela through curated performances in an intimate setting.
Every Thursday, the club provides a space for established musicians and emerging talents to express themselves and show off their skills and creativity.
The month of June features saxophonist, composer, and Blue Note artist Linda Sikhakhane, Johannesburg-based flautist, composer, and vocalist Vuyo Viwe, award-winning bass player, composer, arranger, bandleader, and educator Viwe Siyabonga Mkizwana, and accomplished music director, producer, performer, educator, minister, and recording artist Tshepo Mngoma.
Cost: R300. Book online
When: Every Thursday, from 6pm
Where: Hugh’s Jazz Club, Level 13, 10 De Beer St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Jazz Is Dad: Father’s Day Edition
This Father’s Day, Jazz Is Dad returns to celebrate fathers, mentors, elders, and musical ancestors.
The afternoon, headlined by the acclaimed Malcolm Jiyane, is dedicated to music, memories, and generations that continue to shape the listening culture.
Alongside Jiyane are the selection duties from Lunga Malika and EYEMNOTADEEJAY, who curate a journey through jazz, spiritual sounds, deep grooves, and timeless records.
The celebration will also feature A Special Father’s Day Gift: The Next Chapter – a moment dedicated to the future of music, introducing a new generation carrying the tradition forward.
Visitors can expect an intimate afternoon filled with great music, conversation, community, and culture.
Cost: R200pp. Book via Quicket
When: Sunday, 28 June from 2pm to 10pm
Where: Native Rebels, Kadebe St, Jabavu, Soweto
Jazz music festivals in Johannesburg
Gauteng Soul And Jazz Concert
The annual Gauteng Soul and Jazz Concert is back by popular demand, bringing another prestigious concert experience to Pretoria.
The concert features South Africa’s top Afro-soul and jazz superstars under one Roof. These superstars include Zonke, Lira, Judith Sephuma, and Mafikizolo, as well as iconic American jazz saxophonist and songwriter Kirk Whalum.
Although tickets can be bought online, they are also available for purchase at Pick’n’Pay outlets nationwide.
Cost: From R950pp to R2750pp. Book online.
When: Saturday, 13 June 2026 from 5pm
Where: Sunbet Arena at Time Square Casino, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
Business Premium Jazz Festival
For just over a decade, the Business Premium Jazz Festival has been a cornerstone of South Africa’s jazz scene, and now it returns for an evening of celebration, featuring South Africa’s musical legends through a powerful blend of heritage, soul, and contemporary sound.
Dr Colbert Mukwevho, Vusi Mahlasela, Nathi Mankayi, Amanda Black, and Zawadi Yamungu bring their unique artistry to the stage, offering a fusion of jazz, soul, and Afrocentric rhythms. More than just a music event, the festival serves as a meeting point for artists, business leaders, and jazz enthusiasts, creating an environment where creativity and commerce thrive.
Cost: R400 to R1200. Book online
When: Saturday, 27 June 2026 from 6pm
Where: Big Top Arena – Carnival City, Cnr Century Road & Elsburg Rd, Brakpan, Boksburg
Standard Bank Joy of Jazz
Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, Africa’s premier jazz festival, features an exciting line-up of headlining jazz stars from across the world.
Over two fun-filled days, across multiple stages, jazz lovers are reintroduced to the music, while novices discover the magic of jazz.
This year’s programme features a mix of international and South African artists across four stages, with Grammy-winning Beninese musician Angélique Kidjo leading the bill for international artists, and is joined by Kamasi Washington, who makes his Joy of Jazz debut. The South African jazz artists performing at the festival include Thandiswa Mazwai, Judith Sephuma, McCoy Mrubata, Khaya Mahlangu, and Ndabo Zulu.
Cost: R1500 (day pass) | R2250 (weekend pass). Book online
When: Friday, 25 September 2026 from 6.30pm to 12.00am, Saturday, 26 September 2026 from 6.30pm – 12.00am
Where: Sandton Convention Centre, 161 Maude Street, Sandton, Johannesburg
The 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.
Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: University Of Johannesburg Arts Centre, Corner of Kingsway Ave and University Rd, Auckland Park, Johannesburg
NIROX Spring Jazz
Globally celebrated jazz artists hit the stage for this year’s NIROX Spring Jazz event.
The 2025 instaLlment featured acts including jazz visionaries Kujenga (WC), Thandi Ntuli (GP), Linda Sikhakhane (KZN), and Siya Makuzeni (EC).
The Epicurean Emporium and Bernie’s Bar also provide a variety of market-style gourmet cuisines and a curated selection of beverages for the event. Feel free to also indulge in nature and art whilst there.
Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: NIROX Sculpture Park, R540 Kromdraai Rd, Kromdraai, Krugersdorp
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.
Cost: To be confirmed
When: September 2026 – dates to be confirmed
Where: Linder Auditorium, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, Johannesburg
Coming in 2027
Sankofa Heritage Festival
Join the legendary Thandiswa Mazwai as she launches the Sankofa Heritage Festival.
The Sankofa Heritage Festival is dedicated to preserving and celebrating indigenous African music, showcasing forms that are often underrepresented in mainstream spaces.
Thandiswa takes audiences on a journey through her musical evolution, reflecting on her rich legacy that has shaped contemporary South African music. This one-of-a-kind performance blends traditional elements with modern artistry and features a uniquely curated lineup of special guests.
Joined by celebrated local artist Msaki, Grammy-nominated American artist Somi, and more, each performance echoes ancestral rhythms, bridging the past, present, and future of African sound.
Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: TBC
Jazz in the Lights
The annual Jazz in the Lights Music Festival returns to the Johannesburg Zoo, once again treating jazz aficionados to incredible local and international performances.
The day is sure to be filled with fun for the entire family as younger guests can interact with the zoo animals and amenities, while jazz and music lovers enjoy the latest offerings from new musicians while basking in nostalgic classics from the legends.
The jam-packed lineup includes groundbreaking artists such as Africa Mkhize, Malcolm Jiyane, Xhanti Nokwali, Brenda Mtambo, Rorisang Sechele, Msaki, and many more.
Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: TBC
More on at the Goethe-Institut
DJ Bob Jazz Club Summer Sessions
DJ BOB Jazz Club returns in 2026, taking over the Lawn Pavilion Lounge under the NIROX arbours as summer reaches full bloom.
Check out the musical odyssey by this maestro selector, come for the full day and bring the whole family. NIROX also introduced new picnic baskets as an added feature to the experience. Guests are encouraged to purchase a picnic ticket, which includes one picnic basket for two and entry to the DJ BOB Jazz Club.
Alternative lunch options are available courtesy of the Lawn Pavilion Café and Bernie’s Bar ensures that guests are elegantly hydrated throughout the day.
Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: TBC
Sankayi Jazz Series
The Sankayi Restaurant & Lounge welcomes jazz lovers to enjoy four intimate nights of live music from some of South Africa’s most talented and revered artists with their Sankayi Jazz Series. Running weekly, the series offers a space where music, atmosphere, and hospitality come together.
Each Friday evening of the series features two sets by one artist, with a 30-minute interval between sets. Each performance is presented in a setting designed to balance concert listening with a premium dining experience.
Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: TBC
