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, the series offers a space where music, atmosphere, and hospitality come together.
A blues-rock and acoustic listening session with Dan Patlansky and Guy Buttery
Two of South Africa’s most accomplished guitarists are joining forces for one exceptional evening as part of the acclaimed Sankayi Jazz Series. Blues-rock powerhouse Dan Patlansky and award-winning acoustic guitarist Guy Buttery will share the stage in an intimate performance created exclusively for this special tour.
Having first crossed paths as young musicians more than a decade ago, the pair reunite with a programme of original compositions, fresh arrangements and collaborative pieces that showcase the unique musical chemistry between them. Expect an evening that moves effortlessly between blues, folk, contemporary acoustic music and distinctly African influences, highlighting the remarkable versatility of both artists.
Presented in Sankayi’s listening-room setting, this is a rare opportunity to experience two internationally recognised musicians up close, where every note and nuance takes centre stage.
Cost: R400pp. It is recommended that you arrive early to have dinner (at an additional cost) before the concert. Book via Quicket
When: Thursday, 16 July 2026. Doors open at 6pm, dinner starts at 8pm
Where: Sankayi Restaurant & Lounge, Green Park Corner, Morningside, Johannesburg
Five artists fill five 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 (or more) artists, 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 – Thandi Ntuli
Opening the July edition of the Sankayi Jazz Series is multihyphenate South African jazz darling, Thandi Ntuli.
The composer, arranger, pianist and singer has become a significant voice in contemporary music in South Africa. Not only did she win the 2018 Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Jazz, but Thandi has also collaborated with other icons of the genre such as Marcus Wyatt, Thandiswa Mazwai, Spha Mdlalose and more.
She has also graced the stages of many of South Africa’s foremost jazz festivals including the Cape Town International Jazz Festival and Standard Bank Joy of Jazz.
Her groundbreaking debut album, The Offering, first introduced us to her silky-smooth vocals, and now, three more albums and plenty of collaborations later, her star power has become undeniable.
Cost: R400pp. It is recommended that you arrive early to have dinner (at an additional cost) before the concert. Book via Quicket
When: Friday, 3 July 2026. Doors open at 6pm, dinner starts at 8pm
Where: Sankayi Restaurant & Lounge, Green Park Corner, Morningside, Johannesburg
Week 2 – Herbie Tsoaeli
The second July concert sees respected jazz pioneer, Herbia Tsoaeli, take to the stage.
A master of the bass, a composer and an arranger, ‘Malume’, as he is affectionately known is credited with both being one of the pioneers and ongoing contributors to the South African jazz tradition, working alongside the likes of Winston Mankunku-Ngozi, Tete Mbambisa, Louis Moholo-Moholo and the late, great Abdullah Ibrahim.
Cost: R400pp. It is recommended that you arrive early to have dinner (at an additional cost) before the concert. Book via Quicket
When: Friday, 10 July 2026. Doors open at 6pm, dinner starts at 8pm
Where: Sankayi Restaurant & Lounge, Green Park Corner, Morningside, Johannesburg
Week 3 – Gabi Motuba
In the middle of the month, jazz-lovers will be treated to the sounds of Gabi Motuba.
Winner of the 2026 Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Jazz, Gabi is a young jazz vocalist and composer currently making waves in the South African music scene. Though jazz is central to her craft, she practices genre-fluidity, having dabbled in avant-garde and experimental sounds too.
With albums that cover everything from the personal to social consciousness, Gabi has fostered a catalogue that is both unique and versatile.
Cost: R400pp. It is recommended that you arrive early to have dinner (at an additional cost) before the concert. Book via Quicket
When: Friday, 17 July 2026. Doors open at 6pm, dinner starts at 8pm
Where: Sankayi Restaurant & Lounge, Green Park Corner, Morningside, Johannesburg
Week 4 – Paul Hanmer featuring DJ Bob
Week 4 is an exciting week featuring not one, but two artists.
Headlining the evening is celebrated composer and pianist, Paul Hanmer, whose influence on the South African jazz tradition spans decades. His 1997 album, Trains to Taung, is an inventive project that combined jazz with African sounds, and which has gone on to influence many artists who came after him.
Having worked alongside the likes of McCoy Mrubata, Miriam Makeba, Sibongile Khumalo and Hugh Masekela, he has become one of the most respected names in South African jazz.
DJ Bob is a beloved and respected vinyl jazz DJ whose live gigs often feature a curated selection of jazz, afro funk, salsa, nu jazz and spiritual Chicago blends. His Jazz Club residency at NIROX has become a popular fixture among local jazz lovers.
Cost: R400pp. It is recommended that you arrive early to have dinner (at an additional cost) before the concert. Book via Quicket
When: Friday, 24 July 2026. Doors open at 6pm, dinner starts at 8pm
Where: Sankayi Restaurant & Lounge, Green Park Corner, Morningside, Johannesburg
Week 5 – Marcus Wyatt – Church of the Rolling Tongue
An extra Friday in the month means an additional concert, and who better to close out the July Sankayi Jazz Series than renowned trumpeter, composer and producer, Marcus Wyatt.
Marcus brings his latest creative ensemble, Church of the Rolling Tongue, to the Sankayi stage on the last Friday of the month. Featured ensemble collaborators include Shane Cooper, Romy Brauteseth, Siya Makuzeni, Pule, Sisonke Xonti, Justin Bellairs and Jonno Sweetman.
With this latest project, he expands on a legacy of collaboration that has featured talents and legends such as Kyle Shepherd, Carlo Mombelli, Andile Yenana, Herbie Tsoaeli, Sydney Mnisi, Miriam Makeba, Abdullah Ibrahim, Bheki Mseleku and Msaki.
Cost: R400pp. It is recommended that you arrive early to have dinner (at an additional cost) before the concert. Book via Quicket
When: Friday, 31 July 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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