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
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 its 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, and each performance is presented in a setting designed to balance concert listening with a premium dining experience.
The July iteration features multihyphenate South African jazz darling Thandi Ntuli, respected jazz pioneer Herbia Tsoaeli, 2026 Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner Gabi Motuba, celebrated composer and pianist Paul Hanmer, with beloved and respected vinyl jazz DJ, DJ Bob, and lastly, renowned trumpeter, composer and producer, Marcus Wyatt.
Cost: R400pp. Book online
When: Every Friday from 6pm – 10.30pm
Where: Sankayi Restaurant & Lounge, Green Park Corner Lower Road corner, W Rd S, Morningside, Johannesburg
Explore the Sankayi Jazz Series
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 July begins with the Abathwebuli Trio, featuring South Africa’s most recorded sideman saxophonist and flautist Mthunzi Mvubu, third-generation percussionist Gontse Makhene and South African bassist Dalisu Ndlazi.
The rest of the month features playful yet socially conscious drummer, composer, and bandleader Kabelo Boy Mokhatla, vocalist, songwriter, composer, and storyteller Bokang Makhotso Ramatlapeng, one of South Africa’s most celebrated Afro-Fusion artists, Siphokazi, with bassist, composer, and educator Benjamin Jephta wrapping up the month of July.
Cost: R300pp. Book online
When: Every Thursday, from 6pm
Where: Hugh’s Jazz Club, Level 13, 10 De Beer St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Sankayi Saturday Sessions
Sankayi Saturday Sessions is a brand-new recurring live music series, showcasing some of South Africa’s finest contemporary musicians and bands. Expanding on the success of the Sankayi Jazz Series, Saturday Sessions offers a relaxed and vibrant evening of outstanding live music in one of Johannesburg’s most distinctive dining venues.
The July iteration features The Afrikan Rekord, a recurring vinyl experience curated by DJ Bob with special guest Zviko Dryad, celebrating the rich musical heritage of Africa and its diaspora. The following week, the Afrikan Rekord invites jazz-loving vinyl collector, self-taught designer and cellist Bathini Kowane to the decks, and alongside DJ Bob, she’ll be curating a vinyl set for jazz lovers just like herself.
The third week features a performance from legendary South African singer-songwriter and master of the flute, piano, saxophone, African drums and more, Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse. His illustrious career has seen him supporting and/or working alongside greats such as Hugh Masekela, Letta Mbulu, Miriam Makeba and Sibongile Khumalo, to name just a few.
Cost: Free entry for DJ Bob, Zviko Dryad and Bathini Kowane. R400pp for Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse. Book via Quicket
When: Every Saturday, from 6pm
Where: Sankayi Restaurant & Lounge, Green Park Corner, Morningside, Johannesburg
Jazz In The Library Sessions
The Sacred Heart College officially launches Jazz in the Library Sessions, celebrating the connection between music, literature, oral traditions, and cultural heritage. The sessions platform music education, artistic collaboration, and the development of young musicians in jazz.
The event is rooted in the spirit of jazz as a language of freedom, creativity, and dialogue, featuring performances by the Sacred Heart College Jazz Band, a guest jazz musician, and a welcoming reception by the Sacred Heart College Marimba Band.
Beyond the music, the sessions are part of the school’s fundraising initiative for the Sacred Heart College Music Department, supporting the purchase of musical instruments, the expansion of the school’s music offering, and increased access to music tuition for students.
Cost: R100pp. Book via Quicket
When: Friday, 10 July from 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Where: Sacred Heart College, 15 Eckstein St, Observatory, Johannesburg
Jazz music festivals in Johannesburg
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 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 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: R550pp (early bird) | R650pp – R750pp | R80pp (U12) | U2 free, book via Howler.
When: Sunday, 6 September 2026 from 10am – 6.30pm
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 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
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 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: TBC
When: TBC
Where: TBC
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: TBC
When: TBC
Where: TBC
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