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Braamfontein has a new heartbeat, and it’s rhythmic, refined, and unapologetically world-class. Hugh’s Jazz Club, the latest production from the Play Braamfontein stable, isn’t just a music venue; it’s a "magical musical cube" designed to transcend its geography.
Named in honour of the legendary Hugh Masekela, the club seeks to embody the spirit of a man who was an international bastion of sound.
A masterclass in design
Stepping into Hugh’s is designed to be a jaw-dropping experience. Proprietor Adam Levy, who hand-sketches every space he creates, has obsessed over the design and acoustics to ensure it rivals iconic global spots like London’s Ronnie Scott’s.
It isn’t often that a club owner discusses “absorption components" and "glazing" with the same fervour most reserve for a cocktail list, but Adam Levy isn’t most owners. In our conversation, it became clear that the musical experience at Hugh’s was a point of great pride and a showcase of high-tech engineering.
Levy described a "hyper-fastidious" approach to the room's sound. He wasn't satisfied with the typical bunker or basement feel of many local jazz spots. Instead, he brought in experts to create what he calls the best sound in South Africa. The secret sauce?
- Soundstop Glazing: Thick, specialised glass that prevents vibration and keeps the city's noise out while keeping the acoustics inside pristine.
- The details: From the laser-cut ceiling patterns to the specific absorption materials hidden in the walls and the parquet flooring, every inch of the room was designed to serve the ear.
Honouring the artists
Perhaps the most telling part of our talk was how musicians are reacting to the space. Adam noted that South African artists haven't always felt "suitably honoured" by the venues they play in, often dealing with subpar gear or poorly designed rooms.
"We’re giving them the ultimate platform to be the best version of what they produce," Adam explained. The performers' feedback has been immediate: they feel a deep sense of respect for their craft. By creating a world-class stage, Hugh's has turned the performance from a gig into a high-art event.
The curatorial DNA
The music itself isn't just booked; it's curated. Because Adam admits his passion lies in design, he has entrusted the club’s musical soul to those with jazz in their DNA.
Pula Masekela (Bra Hugh’s daughter) and Mabusha Masekela (his nephew) are the curatorial drivers.
They serve as a bridge between the old-school legendary vibes and the experimental new artists, keeping Hugh Masekela's legacy alive by pushing the genre’s boundaries.
Transcending the map
For Levy, Hugh’s is a response to the one-sided storytelling surrounding the city. "There’s not a single reference to where we are placed geographically. We are placed in a home base of excellence," he explains.
“Think about the complexity of the geography of living in apartheid South Africa, and the fact that, despite that, Bra Hugh was still able to reach world-class standards,” Adam explained.
“I’ve tried to frame this thing in beauty ."It’s ethereal, and it’s quantified for what it is, not where it is. That's why it feels like a very natural home base for Hugh Masekela’s legacy, and for how he was able to transcend things that might have felt complicated in his life.”
With the club sold out since its opening three weeks ago, it seems Joburgers are ready to trade the negativity for a night of world-class jazz.
Catch the magic every Thursday from 18:00 to midnight at Hugh’s Jazz Club, located on Level 13, 73 Juta Street, Braamfontein, and remember to book ahead!
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