In recent years, many musicians and fans have questioned whether jazz still carries the same political charge it once did. For Cape Town’s seven-piece collective Kujenga, those tensions pulse beneath every note of their new EP, Common Ground, a record that insists jazz — or what they call “Black Improvised Music” — still carries a responsibility to the times we live in.
On 9 August, The Dinner Club returns for its second edition, this time inside the M&M Music Academy in Sunningdale. Unlike its debut in 2024, this one isn’t just centred around the food. Built around a full live jazz programme, the event puts music front and centre — framed not as background entertainment but as a key part of the evening’s design.
Imagine being in debt for a festival ticket. That’s the reality now; we’re buying vibes on lay-by and financing joy like it’s a washing machine. This is the reality for many South Africans who’ve started financing not just essentials, but enjoyment. In Cape Town, with its skyline of rising costs and shrinking dreams, even a night of music comes with a payment plan.
Walk into the basement of The Athletic Club & Social any night from a Wednesday to a Saturday, and you’ll find a crowd that looks more like a Boiler Room audience than your grandpa’s jazz club. Young people hunched over Negronis, heads nodding, bodies swaying, fully locked in. This is jazz—but not as the world once knew it. This is jazz with an edge, a bounce, a future. Welcome to Cape Town: one of the new jazz capitals of Africa and the world that, frankly, has been carrying the spirit all along.
In the heart of Cape Town’s pulsating music scene lies a collective of extraordinary talent, each member a luminary in their own right, collectively known as Kujenga. As a beacon of Afrojazz brilliance, Kujenga isn’t just a band; they’re architects of sonic landscapes, builders of soul-stirring melodies, and creators of unforgettable musical experiences. In our quest to delve deeper into the essence of South Africa’s musical tapestry, Let’s Get Local had the privilege to sit down with Zwide Ndwandwe, the bassist extraordinaire of Kujenga, to unravel the threads of his journey and the soulful resonance that defines the band’s sound.
LUUKHANYO, the name synonymous with smooth melodies, infectious grooves, and introspective lyricism, isn’t just a rising star in the South African music scene — he’s a captivating force who recently lit up the Big Little Concepts (BLC) stage with his band, The Hii ROLLERS. Their stripped-down performance, now available in all its glory on the BLC YouTube channel, is a testament to LUUKHANYO‘s unique sound, seamlessly blending contemporary RnB, hip-hop, funk, and jazz. This Cape Town-based artist’s music resonates with a soulful authenticity, capturing the essence of everyday experiences while infusing them with playful energy and thoughtful messages.
giuliette price, a rising star in Cape Town’s vibrant music scene, carries a voice steeped in childhood memories, the magic of jazz, and the raw honesty of self-expression. From early songwriting days to prestigious music institutions, their journey has been shaped by a love for music and a desire to connect with listeners on a deeper level. Stepping into the iconic Concept Records studio for Big Little Concepts, giuliette poured their heart into each performance, offering glimpses of their latest creations and the vulnerability that fuels their artistry.
Cape Town’s vibrant music scene thrives on diversity, and Matt Willis is a prime example. This multi-talented artist, with jazz at his core, isn’t just a musician — he’s a DJ who seamlessly blends instruments like trombone and keyboards into his sets, defying genre expectations at every turn. Lockdown became a transformative period for him, pushing him to explore his voice and create unique soundscapes that transcend categories.
In the vibrant pulse of Cape Town’s music scene, Nobuhle Ashanti stands out as a unique voice. From her early encounters with Natalie Cole’s melodies to navigating the candid and unfiltered moments in the Concept Records studio, Nobuhle’s narrative unfolds as a blend of raw talent and diverse inspirations, all encapsulated within the dynamic realm of Big Little Concepts. Join us as we peel back the layers to understand what truly defines Nobuhle in the ever-evolving tapestry of South Africa’s creative expression.
Seth Grey is a Cape Town-based artist whose warm, nostalgic, and smooth sound reflects his appreciation of old-school RnB and soul. His music is a breath of fresh air, combining mature and modern components to create a one-of-a-kind listening experience. Seth’s passion for music has taken him to various locations across Cape Town, and it’s his exceptional talent as a solo performer which distinguishes him from the rest.
With the singles ‘O.S.L’ and ‘U Say’ out now, there is a great deal of excitement and curiosity for what else this multifaceted artist has up his sleeve.
