Cape Town has a rich jazz history, boasting some of the country’s best jazz venues.
Here’s what you need to know about jazz in the Mother City and which places you should go and check out!
History of Jazz in the Mother City
There’s a special place for jazz in Cape Town. The complex collision of cultures here provided the perfect setting for the genre’s development from this city’s very beginnings. By the 1960’s Cape Town was home to some world-famous jazz musicians, including Basil Coetzee, Winston Mankunku, and Abdullah Ibrahim (known then as Dollar Brand).
It was Abdullah Ibrahim who composed Mannenberg, the seminal and influential Cape jazz tune, recorded in a studio here in Cape Town on one of his brief visits to South Africa from exile.
Jazz in Cape Town is more than music. It is the story of history, salvation, exile, and freedom.
Jazz Venues You Must Visit in Cape Town
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival is an annual Cape Town event at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Known as “Africa’s Grandest Gathering,” the event brings together artists and jazz lovers from all over the world. The line-up is usually a great mix of hot up-and-coming musicians, local flavour, and big international names. This year’s event is taking place on 3 and 4 May 2024. The Cape Town International Jazz Festival’s free Concert takes place at Greenmarket Square on 2 May 2024, from 4pm-10pm!
The concert will feature acts like Matt Bianco, Judith Sephuma, Kujenga, Micaela Kleinsmith, Jerome Rex, DJ Eazy and Sophia.
The free concert epitomises the essence of unity and cultural diversity, embodying the spirit of Cape Town in every beat.
Find out more here: www.capetown.travel/cape-town-international-jazz-festival-returns-to-the-mother-city/
Coffeebeans Routes Jazz Safari
Coffeebeans Routes hosts a thrilling 4-hour Jazz Safari in Cape Town. The tour takes visitors into the homes of local jazz musicians, where they get to enjoy some local cuisine and the most intimate jazz performance you’ll ever come across. After dinner with a local musician, the tour takes you to either a jazz venue or another musician’s home for more music and a nightcap. The tour is a unique opportunity to meet local musicians away from club stages, and an excellent way to discover more about Cape Town and the lives of the people who live in it through the music.
Website: coffeebeansroutes.com/
Incognito, The Alphen Boutique Hotel
Enjoy the velvety sounds of jazz every Thursday evening at Incognito at The Alphen Boutique Hotel in Constantia. The set takes place from 7pm-9.30pm. While you listen to the live performances, you can enjoy their tapas-style menu, boasting small plates, sliders, platters, and pizza.
Website: www.kovecollection.co.za/
Blue Room
Situated on Bree Street, the Blue Room at Grub & Vine is a leading live music lounge, showcasing the continent’s top talent. Firmly rooted in jazz and the blues, visitors can enjoy nightly live performances from 7pm. As an extension of the Grub & Vine bistro, the Blue Room also offers decadent fare, an award-winning wine list, and a collection of signature, hand-crafted cocktails for you to sample while you enjoy the show.
Website: theblueroomza.com/
The Hazendal Jazz Club
The Hazendal Jazz Club launched in 2019 and has since played host to some of the most renowned names in jazz, while also providing a platform for emerging local talents. Jazz Club evenings, scheduled for either a Wednesday or Thursday during the final week of the month, begin with a wine tasting of Hazendal’s premium wines, followed by a three-course set menu dinner. Tickets to the Hazendal Jazz Club cost R650 per person. To book your seat email bookings@hazendal.co.za
Website: www.hazendal.co.za/jazz-club/
The Athletic Club & Social
Head to The Athletic Club & Social every Thursday for their jazz evenings, starting at 9pm. The Cape Town attraction brings out some of the country’s top musicians for a night of nostalgia, fun, and beautiful music. Please keep an eye on their socials for weekly event details and pricing.
Website: theathletic.co.za/
Openwine
This Wale Street wine bar, an absolute favourite with locals, hosts its highly anticipated Jazz Jam Sessions every Sunday, starting at 5pm. With a fresh lineup of artists every week, each session promises a unique experience. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to arrive early to secure your spot.
Website: www.instagram.com/openwine
The Sanctuary Restaurant, Kloof Street Hotel
The Sanctuary Restaurant, situated within the Kloof Street Hotel, hosts Live Jazz Friday evenings from 7pm. Showcasing local talent and offering fantastic drink specials, these evenings are designed for visitors to unwind and relax while enjoying delicious food. Tickets can be purchased via Webtickets and include a complimentary welcome drink. Happy Hour runs from 4pm to 7pm, where you can enjoy a 2-for-1 offer on Kegtails, including Classic Mojito, Mango & Passion Fruit Mojito, Bombay Strawberry Gin & Tonic, and Bombay Grapefruit Gin & Tonic.
Website: www.webtickets.co.za
