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Make your Saturday night in Johannesburg one to remember. This August, Johannesburg is giving jazz lovers plenty of reasons to spend an evening in their favourite city.
Jazz at Jozi Gold in Braamfontein keeps the August groove going with three live performances at the Jozi Gold Brewing Company on De Korte Street, featuring the Abathwebuli Trio, jazz guitar legend Louis Mhlanga and renowned bassist and composer, Herbie Tsoaeli.
The series is designed for intimate listening, offering audiences the chance to immerse themselves in the music of some of South Africa's seasoned jazz legends in a setting that feels more personal than a traditional concert venue.
Abathwebuli Trio – 15 August
The series hits the first note on Saturday, August 15, as the Abathwebuli Trio takes the stage, featuring saxophonist Mthunzi Mvubu, bassist Sipho Mabena and percussionist Gontse Makhene. The trio’s sound moves between African jazz, rhythmic traditions, soulful melodies and ancestral chants, seamlessly blending traditional influences into a modern sound.
Mthunzi Mvubu has established himself as one of South Africa’s most acclaimed saxophonists and flautists. His debut album, The 1st Gospel, snatched the Best Male Jazz Artist accolade at the Mzantsi Jazz Awards in September 2023. Two months later, the album got a South African Music Awards nod with a Best Jazz Album nomination.
Coming from a family of percussionists spanning three generations, Gontse Makhene merges traditional African drumming into contemporary music. Sipho Mabena completes the outfit, making for a trio that offers a musical journey through the traditions and evolution of African jazz sounds.
Louis Mhlanga – 22 August
On Saturday, August 22, the stage is ascended by one of Southern Africa’s most acclaimed guitarists, Louis Mhlanga. For more than forty years, this legend has carved out a career across Southern Africa that transcended to the international music scene. Born in South Africa in 1956 and raised in Zimbabwe during the liberation era, he was shaped by a musical generation that would redefine the sound of modern Southern Africa.
Throughout his career, he has worked alongside some of Africa’s most celebrated musicians, from Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela to Sipho Mabuse, Mlungisi Gegana, Ray Phiri, and Busi Mhlongo. This performance allows jazz aficionados an up-close and personal experience of Mhlanga’s distinctive and lyrical guitar playing.
Herbie Tsoaeli – 29 August
Celebrated bassist, composer, arranger, and bandleader Herbie Tsoaeli, affectionately referred to as “Malume,” wraps up the series on Saturday, August 29. Malume won hearts with his expressive playing and considered approach to composition, establishing himself as one of South Africa’s leading bassists.
In 2013, his debut album, African Time, scooped the Best Jazz Album award at the South African Music Awards. His work has continued to receive recognition from audiences and fellow musicians, further cementing him as an important voice in South African jazz.
Jazz at Jozi Gold August programme
- When: Every Saturday till the end of the month
- Location: Jozi Gold Brewing Company, 81 De Korte Street, Braamfontein
- Cost: R350 via Quicket
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