Latest
17 September 2024
Siphiwe Mhlambi’s Jazz Tales Come From the Dust
The acclaimed photographer discusses his troubled childhood and early beginnings as his month-long ‘Expressions’ exhibition celebrating South Africa’s jazz icons gets underway.
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south african jazz Stories
Latest
07 August 2024
NALEDI’s Quest for Community in a Faraway Land
On her debut EP, Batho, the New York-based South African jazz musician provides a glimpse into the many feelings she has experienced since her arrival in the U.S.
Latest
09 April 2024
The 10 Best South African Jazz Albums Right Now
We take a look at 10 of the best jazz albums released by South African artists and groups in the last six months.
Music
07 October 2022
Oscars Honor Late South African Jazz Legend Jonas Gwangwa
The Academy's Jonas Gwangwa Music Composition Initiative has officially kicked off in the late star's honor.
Music
24 March 2021
In Photos: ‘Indaba Is’ Recording Sessions
These images take you inside the recording sessions for 'Indaba Is', a compilation of great compositions from South Africa's creative improvisational music scene, released by London-based Brownswood Recordings.
Music
02 March 2021
Interview: In The Beginning Was Manana
Manana on his debut album 'In The Beginning Was The End', a relatable love story narrated backwards.
Music
10 February 2021
Interview: Bokani Dyer Plays Across Genres Without Compromise in New Album ‘Kelenosi’
When the lockdown hit in 2020, South African jazz musician Bokani Dyer started making beats by himself and the result is an album made by borrowing from several genres without compromising any. "It's a beat album with piano," he says.
Music
10 June 2020
Asher Gamedze's 'Dialectic Soul' Is an Exploration of Continual Motion
We talk to the Cape Town-based drummer about his debut double album, unconventional style, and finding validation as an outsider.
Music
19 May 2020
Listen to Hugh Masekela’s New Compilation ‘Township Grooves’
Hugh Masekela's new compilation album consists of songs from the late South African jazz legend's albums released between 1965 and 1974.
Music
06 March 2020
Interview: South Africa's Nduduzo Makhathini On His Upcoming Blue Note Records Debut
We talk to the South African pianist about the otherworldly inspirations behind Modes of Communication: Letters from the Underworld and much more.
Music
17 April 2019
Listen to Abdullah Ibrahim’s New Song From His Upcoming Album ‘The Balance’
South African jazz legend Abdullah Ibrahim is dropping his first album in five years, listen to a new song from the upcoming project.
Music
11 December 2018
The 30 Best South African Songs of 2018
Here are South African songs that caught our attention this year.
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OkayAfrica is the premiere digital platform bringing the worlds of African music, art, culture, style, sports and politics to a global audience. Founded in 2010 as an extension of Okayplayer, OkayAfrica serves as a cultural bridge to foster deeper understanding of the continent, while also building meaningful connections with its diaspora.
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