The Sankayi Restaurant & Lounge welcomes jazz lovers to enjoy intimate nights of live music from some of South Africa’s most talented and revered artists with their Sankayi Jazz Series. Running weekly from 5 to 26 June 2026, the series offers a space where music, atmosphere, and hospitality come together.
Four artists fill four evenings with the smooth sounds of jazz
Hosted at Sankayi Restaurant & Lounge, the Sankayi Jazz Series marks a different chapter for the venue, bringing dedicated live jazz experiences within its already well-known hospitality offering.
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.
Week 1 – Vuma Levin
For the first concert in June, the Sankayi Jazz Series welcomes one of the most significant voices in South African contemporary jazz, Vuma Levin.
Known for his thoughtful compositions and highly personal musical language, Levin’s work explores themes of identity, memory and belonging, drawing from South African musical traditions while embracing modern jazz influences.
With plenty of international performances under his belt and widespread critical and audience acclaim, Levin has established himself as a leading figure in a new generation of South African jazz artists.
Cost: R400pp. It is recommended that you arrive early to have dinner (at an additional cost) before the concert. Book via Quicket
When: Friday, 5 June 2026. Doors open at 6pm, dinner starts at 8pm
Where: Sankayi Restaurant & Lounge, Green Park Corner, Morningside, Johannesburg
Week 2 – Sydney Mavundla
The second June concert sees respected jazz veteran Sydney Mavundla take to the stage.
A trumpeter, composer, and bandleader, Sydney Mavundla’s incredible career spans decades of performance, collaboration and musical leadership. Known for his warm tone, lyrical improvisation and deep connection to the South African jazz tradition, Mavundla’s music reflects both reverence for the past and a commitment to carrying the music forward.
From his early beginnings in church brass bands to performances on major stages across South Africa and abroad, Mavundla has built a reputation as one of the country’s most expressive and respected trumpet voices.
Cost: R400pp. It is recommended that you arrive early to have dinner (at an additional cost) before the concert. Book via Quicket
When: Friday, 12 June 2026. Doors open at 6pm, dinner starts at 8pm
Where: Sankayi Restaurant & Lounge, Green Park Corner, Morningside, Johannesburg
Week 3 – Spha Mdlalose
The penultimate show in the June Sankayi Jazz Series features the multi-talented Spha Mdlalose.
A singer, songwriter, voice artist and radio personality, Spha is a master of many crafts. Her impressive musical career has included multiple awards and nominations, a critically acclaimed album in her 2019-released ‘Indlel’eyekhaya’, and performances alongside big names including Josh Groban, Thandi Ntuli, Benjamin Jephta, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Mi Casa, Zwai Bala and plenty more.
Cost: R400pp. It is recommended that you arrive early to have dinner (at an additional cost) before the concert. Tickets will be available via Quicket soon
When: Friday, 19 June 2026. Doors open at 6pm, dinner starts at 8pm
Where: Sankayi Restaurant & Lounge, Green Park Corner, Morningside, Johannesburg
Week 4 – Ndabo Zulu
Finally, closing out the June series is Ndabo Zulu.
Ndabo Zulu is a multiple SAMA award-winning jazz trumpeter. A relative newcomer in the jazz scene, Ndabo has already made a name for himself, with collaborations with Nduduzo Makhathini, Zoë Modiga, Derrick Hodge, Herbie Tsoaeli and more already under his belt.
Cost: R400pp. It is recommended that you arrive early to have dinner (at an additional cost) before the concert. Tickets will be available via Quicket soon
When: Friday, 26 June 2026. Doors open at 6pm, dinner starts at 8pm
Where: Sankayi Restaurant & Lounge, Green Park Corner, Morningside, Johannesburg
Website: alexproductions.co.za
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 078 680 0478
Facebook: @Sankayi Jazz
Instagram: @sankayijazz
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