The K Jazz Show Podcasts

There are conversations you have because, for a moment, you want to sit down and listen to a life. Since April, The K Jazz Show has been taking you on a journey towards this year's Standard Bank Joy of Jazz — introducing you to the musicians, the composers, the voices and the stories that will make Johannesburg sing when the festival arrives. We have travelled across borders and musical traditions. We have spoken to artists about legacy, reinvention, resistance, rhythm, hope and that beautiful, slightly mysterious thing that happens when musicians from different worlds meet on the same stage. And today, we arrived at our final artist conversation.

This Sunday, The Jazz Circuit welcomes Linda Sikhakhane home to The K Jazz Show, as he opens the door to LINDA, his fifth album: a deeply personal meditation on purpose, belonging, ancestry, love and the making of a man. From Umlazi to KwaNongoma, from the memory of those who came before to the restless sound of what comes next. Linda brings the whole journey with him. A saxophone. A lineage. A searching soul. And a conversation about what happens when a man stops trying to become something else… and begins to compose himself.

A voice from Benin. Five Grammys. One Hollywood star. But first enter the fire. Angélique Kidjo arrives on The K Jazz Show.

There are conversations you have with an artist because there is a new record to talk about. And then there are conversations you have because, somewhere along the way, the music has changed and so has the musician with it. As for our guest, he and I have shared this space before. We've listened together. We've talked. We've followed the music as it has moved from one place to another. We've watched the collaborations and the performances, including the ideas coming to life. And yes, we've also watched a very public chapter of his journey come to an end. A chapter that generated its headlines, its opinions, and its conversations, some informed, some perhaps less so. However, this Sunday, we're not going back to reread those pages. Some stories are certainly not meant to be lived backwards. We're turning the page.

On The K Jazz Show, we open a new chapter with bassist, composer, and educator Timothy Joseph Norton, a musician whose journey has carried him through some of the world’s most revered stages, alongside extraordinary voices in jazz. And in a very special K Jazz Show moment, his new musical world brings him into conversation with South Africa’s Bokani Dyer and Siya Charles. We go beyond the credits. Beyond the album. Beyond the bass. We go back to the beginning and listen for the man becoming the musician.

Some artists leave us humming a melody. Others leave us thinking long after the music has ended. Our next guest has spent decades doing both. With a voice of rare depth and unmistakable elegance, he has carried stories of identity, humanity and hope onto some of the world's most prestigious stages, becoming one of contemporary jazz's most compelling vocalists. Ahead of his return to Johannesburg for the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 2026, it is a real privilege to welcome a true gentleman of song to The K Jazz Show. Please welcome the remarkable Ola Onabulé.

Some albums announce themselves with noise. Others arrive quietly, settle into your spirit, and refuse to leave." We've had the privilege of watching Ingoma Busuku make exactly that journey, from an extraordinary debut to one of the defining South African jazz recordings of its generation. Today, its creator joins us not simply to celebrate an award-winning album, but to reflect on the road it has travelled, the people who shaped it, and the stories that continue to live within its songs. It's always a pleasure to welcome a friend of the show. Paras 'Sibalikhulu' Dlamini, back to The K Jazz Show

Some voices don't simply sing. They remember. They heal. They carry home wherever they go. This Sunday on Hour Africa, we welcome back our brother, Dumza Maswana, for one of our most heartfelt conversations yet. From Ngqushwa to India, from Celebrating African Song to the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz stage, we reflect on music, purpose, radio, legacy and the stories that continue to shape a remarkable career. Some conversations deserve your full attention.

Back on #TheKJazzShow, Somi joins us to reflect on Zenzile, the meaning of homecoming, mutual friends, and her beautiful new album, What Does It Take to Bloom? An honest conversation on artistry, belonging, and becoming. #WhatDoesItTakeToBloom #JazzCircuit #TKJS

This Sunday on #TheKJazzShow Alternative, French-Congolese artist Anaïs Rosso joins the #JazzCircuit. We talk about her Joy of Jazz debut, Paris’ vibrant jam session culture, and the fearless creativity shaping her sound, a conversation that looks beyond the music. #TKJS #JazzCircuit #JoyOfJazz

This week on The K Jazz Show, we sit with the extraordinary Kamasi Washington, saxophonist, composer, visionary, and one of the defining voices of contemporary music. From The Epic to Fearless Movement, from Kendrick Lamar’s GNX to the upcoming Joy of Jazz Festival 2026, a journey into the mind of an artist who continues to redefine the possibilities of jazz. #TKJS #SBJOJ2026 #KamasiWashington

Passport ready? We’re taking your ears to Germany as Sebastian Studnitzky joins us on The KJazz Show. He brings bold sounds, brilliant stories, and musical magic ahead of his Standard Bank Joy of Jazz performance this September. This Sunday. #TKJS #SBJOJ2026 #STUDNITZKY

A new voice. A heartfelt tribute. A future shaped by jazz. Rising trombonist and composer Thabone Masilela joins to share his journey, his vision for the next generation of South African jazz, and the story behind his new single, making its radio debut.

Before the lights rise at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival 2026, we voyage through borders, memory, and sound with Ibrahim Maalouf, a trumpet storyteller carrying Beirut, Paris, jazz, folklore, and the future in a single breath. This Sunday on the K Jazz Show. Music without borders. Spirit without limits. #JazzReIgnited #TKJS #TakeMeThere #SBJOJ2026

This Sunday, we journey across oceans and frequencies with the radiant Nubya Garcia. From London’s pulse to Johannesburg’s embrace, the sound returns home in a different light. We begin the road to Standard Bank Joy of Jazz with one of the defining voices of her generation. The art of becoming, again and again… #TKJS #NubyaGarcia #JazzReIgnited #TakeMeThere

This Sunday on the weekly jazz circuit feature , appears Kabelo Mokhatla, a drummer whose journey from Johannesburg to New York has become a quiet, powerful meditation on identity, discipline, and sound. Now, as one chapter closes, another begins… Grace. A moment shaped by growth, memory, and the spaces in between with a subtle unveiling of something not yet fully heard… including a reimagining of “Kuzodlula” from Nduduzo Makhathini’s The Myth We Choose. Not everything will be said. But if you listen closely… you’ll hear it first. #15YearsOfKofifi #KabeloMokhatla #TheJazzCircuit #TKJS

This Sunday on The K Jazz Show, a voice returns not to where she started — but to where she has always belonged. Twenty years carved in sound, spirit, and memory. With Ilitye (stone) she offers us something grounded, something eternal… a love letter to self, a quiet homecoming. Humaning out loud. #HourAfrica #TKJS #Zu #JazzAppreciationMonth

On today’s edition, wherever in the world you may be listening from, this is The K Jazz Show — your Sunday to everyday favourite, where the music breathes, the stories matter, and the artists who are shaping the sound of now find a home. Today we welcome a pianist, composer, sound architect and musical storyteller whose music has been described as ethereal, heavy-hitting, extremely funky and completely infectious. Born in Detroit, forged in the Midwest, sharpened in New York, and now moving across the global stage — this is a musician who is not just playing the piano, but redefining how the instrument speaks in modern music. He has worked with artists like Topaz Jones, Cleo Reed,, Amanda Barise including Tivon Penicott — and somewhere between touring, music directing, sound designing and composing, he is quietly becoming one of the most sought-after pianists of his generation. Kofifi FM, The K Jazz Show introduces Idris Frederick.

There are voices in jazz that arrive like a whisper on a late evening breeze—intimate, luminous, and timeless. Voices that don’t simply sing songs but inhabit them. This Sunday on The K Jazz Show, we welcome one such voice. For over three decades, the Grammy-nominated vocalist Stacey Kent has shaped a singular musical world—one where jazz meets the romance of chanson, the elegance of the Great American Songbook, and the quiet poetry of everyday moments. From her celebrated collaborations with saxophonist Jim Tomlinson to her award-winning interpretations of composers like Antonio Carlos Jobim and lyricist Kazuo Ishiguro, Stacey has crafted a sound that feels both classic and entirely her own. With albums such as Breakfast on the Morning Tram, The Changing Lights, and I Know I Dream: The Orchestral Sessions, she has traveled the world carrying songs like postcards from distant emotional landscapes. And now, that voice journeys to South African soil as one of the headlining artists at the inaugural Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek, taking place from 27–29 March 2026 in the breathtaking Franschhoek Valley—where the legendary Montreux spirit meets African soul in a celebration of music, culture, art, food, and wine.

Lit Culture, an independent bookstore and cultural space in Johannesburg, has honored us with an invitation into their Brixton home to share our work as the Dawjee Trio. ‎On Friday evening, 06 March 2026, إِنْ شَاءَٱللَّٰهُ, we gather some lines & other notes in the presence of Lit Culture’s deeply considered collection of art, politics, music, and African thought. ‎The Jozi Jazz Plug took a look.

Bisoux’s quintessential sound is a cross-over fusion of elements that reinvent the sound of cool jazz, swing, hard bop, modal jazz and the avante garde. Imagery of Ella Fitzgerald, John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock are reflected in the arrangements and improvisations. The fusion of various elements evolves to create an organic sound with a myriad of soundscapes, swing & deep soulful groove. Vocalist Wendy Allen Twyford is our guest.

Bandleader. Composer. Living Legend. McCoy Mrubata doesn’t follow the rhythm; he creates the heartbeat. His latest offering, Children On The Frontline, is more than an album, it is a manifesto. South African jazz in its purest, most provocative form. This Sunday.

“Today, The K Jazz Show doesn’t just fellowship with the artist—we enter a living archive. We are surrounded by paint, memory, vinyl, silence, and sound. This is where Jazz listens back. Sitting with me, is one of South Africa’s most revered visual storytellers, the man whose art hums, swings, remembers, and refuses to forget… Welcome, Sam Nhlengethwa.

On the K Jazz Show, This Sunday, we wrap up the year that was, and we find ourselves in Italy with a renowned bassist and composer who has received multiple awards for his exceptional talent. Michelangelo Scandroglio an artist whose journey has taken him from Europe’s great jazz stages to the world’s most respected festivals… and now, fresh from his inaugural visit to South Africa. From Umbria Jazz to the Kennedy Center, from fearless collaborations to bold new musical visions, we unpack the story, the sound, and the spirit behind the music. It’s a global reflection. A year-end pause. And a celebration of jazz without borders.

This Sunday on The K Jazz Show… The future calls, and it swings. The Cape Town born, Amsterdam based bassist takes the chair, unpacking his powerful debut album, Future Kwela. From township grooves to global jazz language, from inherited rhythm to bold new imagination this is kwela remembered forward. Join us for a conversation about heritage, movement, young voices shaping the horizon, and music that knows where it comes from… and where it’s going.

This Sunday we welcome an artist who lives beautifully in the in-between —that luminous grey space where jazz, soul, folk, poetry and memory weave themselves into something entirely her own. London–Johannesburg–Paris based singer, pianist and storyteller Matshidiso Mohajane joins us fresh on the show, carrying with her a new body of work that feels at once intimate, brave and borderless. Her new album, IDKL — I Didn’t Know Love, is a genre-blending tapestry of truth, tenderness and radical honesty Matshidiso is one of those rare boundary-pushers who honours the improvisational fire of jazz while stepping boldly into new sonic frontiers.

We welcome back a profound musical thinker, a sonic architect, and one of the most quietly influential forces in contemporary South African jazz. He last graced our airwaves when he gifted us Baba in 2016 and since then, his artistry has only deepened, sharpened, and expanded. Pianist, composer, bandleader, scholar, and collaborator of the highest order… Yonela Mnana returns to The K Jazz Show with a brand-new offering, "Echoes of Marabi "— a bold, beautiful collaboration with Swiss saxophonist Benedikt Reising and the transcendent Soultee Sisters.

It’s always special when we welcome back the giants of our sound, the elders who continue to move the language of jazz forward. Our guest needs little introduction; he’s a saxophonist, composer, producer, cultural thinker, and one of the most profound creative voices in South African music. The last time we spoke, he had just released Enhlizweni, a record that dug deep into our spiritual and musical connectedness. And now, he’s back with Multipolar, his 11th studio album, a sonic meditation that jazz writer Gwen Ansell describes as ‘not American, copycat, or retro,’ but absolutely of this place and of this time.

This Sunday on The K Jazz Show, we’re taking a trip that begins on the banks of the Bosphorus, glides through the cobbled streets of Florence, making its way to Johannesburg — where jazz meets joy, culture meets curiosity, and rhythm knows no borders. An extraordinary young voice in global jazz — Hakan Başar, the 21-year-old Turkish piano virtuoso whose elegance, maturity, and flair have been making waves since his debut On Top on the Roof,. He was recently in Johannesburg for the Joy of Jazz Festival, where his trio’s performance left audiences breathless — not just for their technical mastery, but for their unmistakable warmth and cultural openness. Together, they’ve crafted a stunning new album, Maiden Voyage — a nod to Herbie Hancock’s classic, but with a fresh, youthful vitality that reminds us that jazz, much like travel, is about rediscovery.

It is always a joy on The K Jazz Show to bring you the sounds and stories of artists who are not just shaping the present, but also defining the future of jazz. This Sunday, we are honored to welcome one of the brightest rising stars on the global scene — a 25-year-old Haitian-American baritone whose voice is as rich in depth as it is in vision. Tyreek McDole is no stranger to acclaim — in 2023 he won the prestigious Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, becoming only the second male vocalist in its history to do so. And now, he gifts us with his long-awaited debut album, "Open Up Your Senses", a project that is both bold and tender, rooted in jazz tradition yet expansive in its exploration of spirituality, self-reflection, and social consciousness.

South Africa’s jazz story is a living archive, and each artist adds a new chapter to this ongoing melody. Today on The K Jazz Show, as we open our Heritage Month series, I am truly delighted to be joined by a pianist whose music is both rooted and boundless, deeply African yet universally resonant. He is internationally acclaimed, a winner of the Central Music Awards for jazz, and a nominee at the Mzansi Jazz Awards. He has taken his music to the stages of Europe, India, and across our beloved South Africa — all while shaping the next generation through education and mentorship. Thapelo Khumisi was on The K Jazz Show

So this Sunday, you and I connect with a young drummer from Tel Aviv in Israel by the name of Ofri Nehemya, who has shared stages in collaboration with incredible artists has marked himself as one of the most prominent Israeli drummers in the global jazz scene, collaborating with world wide known artists including Avishai Cohen (bass), Ben Wendel, Shai Maestro, Omer Avital and many others. He is our cover story artist in the 3rd hour this week and we also get to listen to some of his composition and talk to him about his walk with Jazz.

On The K Jazz Show today, we welcome one of the great voices of our time on trumpet—Sean Jones. He’s a celebrated bandleader, composer, and former lead trumpeter of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. As Artistic Director of Carnegie Hall’s National Youth Jazz Orchestra, Sean is shaping the next generation of jazz ambassadors, taking this music across the globe. He joins us to talk about the powerful new live album Live in Johannesburg, recorded at the iconic Market Theatre here in city. This is a story of music, history, and cultural exchange told through the spirit of jazz.

The second hour of The K Jazz Show, we welcome a phenomenal artist whose journey is a story of passion, excellence, and jazz brilliance. She is the 2025 Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz, a trailblazing trombonist, composer, and arranger whose music has graced global stages from Montreux to New York’s Blue Note. This includes performances alongside legends like Hugh Masekela and Ulysses Owens Jr., including the formation of her own sextet, she continues to push the boundaries of South African jazz on the world stage. As she prepares for her much-anticipated debut performance at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, we are thrilled to have her with us.

As we are firmly into the second hour of our show and today, we’re thrilled to welcome an incredible talent as part of our “Road to the Joy of Jazz 2025” series. From electrifying saxophone solos to her soulful compositions, Lakecia’s music has captured hearts around the world. And now, she’s coming to Johannesburg for the Joy of Jazz Festival—and we couldn’t be more excited to have her stop by our way as part of her journey to our favourite festival.

When we say Page Three on The K Jazz Show, we’re talking about those artists who don’t just play music – they live it. We have a guest who has taken the cello – yes, the cello – from the township streets of Sebokeng to the world stage. He is a man whose music breathes, dances, and prays across continents and centuries. On the K Jazz Show, we welcome the extraordinary Abel Selaocoe, here to talk about his current project “Hymns of Bantu” and the upcoming live debut solo offering “Four Spirits”, which show cases music that is already shaking the global scene with its deep rhythms, chants, and spiritual truths.

Now, every so often, we get to witness an artist whose very being feels like music. Someone who doesn’t just play jazz — but breathes, bends, reshapes, and reimagines what’s possible within it. And when that artist happens to be a four-time Grammy Award winner, an inventive bassist, a luminous vocalist, a fearless composer, and one of the most captivating live performers of our time —as music lover you are compelled to make space, to lean in, and certainly listen deeply. It is my absolute pleasure and honour to welcome to The K Jazz Show — a global icon and this year’s Joy of Jazz headliner, Esperanza Spalding.

This week on The K Jazz Show, we were thrilled to welcome a phenomenal saxophonist, composer, and bandleader whose sound resonates across continents – Karl Martin Almqvist is known for his soulful tone, inventive improvisation, and deep collaborative spirit, and has carved out a global presence in jazz. He is coming to South Africa as part of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 2025, performing with his powerhouse ensemble – the Ababhemu Quartet – a group rooted in trust, brotherhood, and a bold vision of unity through music.

From the streets of Italy to the very core of New York City’s jazz pulse, Daniele Germani has carved a sonic path that speaks of fearless innovation and tender homage. Whether he’s navigating the intimate harmonies of jazz or flirting with the gloss of pop influences, Daniele’s sound remains sincere, searching, and soul-deep. Saxophonist, composer, and restless creator, Daniele Germani spoke to us.

on The K Jazz Show, and today we tune into the rhythm of resilience, the sound of soul, and the voice of a nation — all wrapped in one mighty bassline. Joining us live from Russia is a multi-award-winning composer, producer, and bassist whose musical passport has stamped some of the world’s finest stages — from Amsterdam’s Royal Concertgebouw to the King’s Castle in Sweden. He’s orchestrated for the BBC Proms, worked with legends like Hugh Masekela, McCoy Mrubata, Zoe Modiga, and Wouter Kellerman, and scooped Naledi and Mzantsi Jazz Awards along the way. His third album Black Child is on the horizon — and it’s more than music, it’s a message.

We’re joined by South African-born, New York-based drummer, composer & visionary Lumanyano Mzi as he takes us deep into his sonic journey! From his Cape Town roots to international stages, we unpack his inspiring career, global collaborations, and what it means to carry Ithemba Elisha – A New Hope into the world. PLUS: We debut exclusive tracks from the brand new album, and get the scoop on his much-anticipated South African tour! A kind of slick, global futurism. This Sunday.

This September, José returns to South Africa for The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival 2025, and this time he’s bringing us a stunning tribute to the queen of neo-soul, Erykah Badu, from his bold and beautifully reimagined project, José James Sings Erykah. We’ll also dive into his latest album 1978, an autobiographical triumph that’s turning heads across the globe.

This Sunday, The K Jazz Show returns with front-row flair and rhythm-rich coverage of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival. Now, when it comes to world-class groove, finesse on the kit, and a keen ear behind the studio desk, our next guest wears many hats — all stylishly tilted towards excellence. Joining us for the very first time on Kofifi FM 97.2 is a man who keeps time like it’s a fine wine — matured, bold, and full of notes. He’s not just a drummer; he’s a rhythm sculptor, a sonic craftsman, and a creative force who’s been shaping the sound of South African jazz for over a decade. Whether he’s leading his acclaimed Peter Auret Trio, laying down tracks for legends in his Sumo Sound Recording studio, or collaborating with jazz giants both local and global — one thing’s for sure: when Peter Auret is involved, the music doesn’t just play… it speaks.

This Sunday on The K Jazz Show, we welcome back a powerhouse of South African jazz—a trumpeter, composer, and bandleader who plays with the fire of revolution and the grace of heritage. From the Johannesburg streets to global stages, his sound is as fearless as it is fluid. He’s the force behind unforgettable projects like Bhekisizwe, Born to Be Black, and Oratorio of a Forgotten Youth—and he's not done shaking the jazz world. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the ever-evolving, always electrifying, Mandla Mlangeni!

This week on The K Jazz Show, we’re thrilled to be joined by the inimitable Brenda Sisane — broadcaster, cultural curator, creative director, and part of the driving force behind the Journey to Jazz festival. As the festival turns three this year, we take a moment to celebrate its growth, its grounding in pure jazz, and its growing impact from the small town of Prince Albert to the broader South African cultural landscape.

We are joined by none other than the legendary Hilton Schilder — a man whose music is as layered and soulful as the city he hails from. Born into rhythm, raised by Goema, and armed with a playful spirit including 16 instruments (yes, sixteen!), Hilton is Cape Town’s very own sonic alchemist. From Punk to Classical, Rock to Cape Jazz, his fingerprints are all over the South African music landscape. And now, as he prepares to release his 46th — project, he’s still full of fresh stories, sounds, and surprises. A true “mind freedom fighter” if ever there was one.

We’re thrilled to celebrate the 2025 recipients of the Standard Bank Young Artist Awards (SBYA) — an initiative that, for 40 years now, has honored creative excellence and fearless innovation in South African art. Among the six remarkable trailblazers is Siyasanga “Siya” Charles, a Juilliard-trained trombonist whose global career and bold artistic voice have earned her this prestigious accolade. Known for her powerful work with the Siya Charles Sextet and collaborations with legends like Hugh Masekela, Siya is redefining the future of South African jazz.

We’re joined by a collective that’s as much about movement as they are about music. With their brass-heavy sound, genre-defying style, and infectious energy, they’ve made waves across South Africa and beyond. They say they play intelligent music… they play dumb music… and they play whatever they want—because you come anyway!

As the sun rises and the melodies of the past, present, and future intertwine, we are thrilled to welcome an artist whose voice has graced some of the world’s most prestigious stages. His journey in music began at the tender age of 11, singing in renowned choirs before evolving into a seasoned vocalist, working alongside legends like Jonathan Butler, Kirk Whalum, Oleta Adams, and Diana Ross. He has captivated audiences across the globe, performed for world leaders, and lent his artistry to some of the finest jazz recordings in South Africa and beyond. He is on his way to the Journey to Jazz festival and he stopped by this Sunday.

Every week on The K Jazz Show we keep you plugged in with the latest on the jazz band stands with our feature “The Jozi Jazz Plug” and this week we are excited to have with us Wanda Baloyi who is a dynamic force in the music industry, seamlessly blending Afro-Jazz, Neo-Soul, and House into a signature sound that is both timeless and boundary-pushing. Wanda joins us this Sunday to talk about her upcoming performance at the Nelson Mandela Square’s Hard Rock Cafe.

“Kofifi FM, you are spending time in the company of The K Jazz Show, Sundays 10;00 to 13:00 and as always we bring you closer to some of the conversations with your favourite jazz musicians. As the Joy of Jazz Festival approaches, one name stands out—Siya Makuzeni. A dynamic force in South African jazz, and she is a trombonist, vocalist, composer, and bandleader whose musical journey spans continents and genres. From collaborating with legends like Themba Mkhize and Branford Marsalis, Siya’s artistry is boundless. This year, she brings an exciting big band arrangement to the festival, promising a performance filled with bold sounds and deep emotion. Siya joins us this Sunday.

The K Jazz Show, is where we celebrate the rhythm, soul, and stories of jazz! Today, we have an electrifying conversation lined up with a dynamic duo who are shaking up the South African jazz scene— Marumo Femme! Known for their deep passion for music and cultural storytelling, these visionary sisters Mamello and Kopano Pule are the masterminds behind HERoines of Jazz 2025 – An Ode to the Matriarch—an event that promises to be a breathtaking tribute to the legendary women who have shaped South African jazz. Listen closer.

The K Jazz Show, is where we celebrate the finest in South African jazz, and today, we have the honor of sitting down with one of the true luminaries of the genre—legendary bassist, composer, and educator, Carlo Mombelli. Who has long been at the forefront of musical innovation, pushing the boundaries of sound and storytelling through his deeply evocative compositions and performances. Most recently, he played a pivotal role in curating the Wits Piano Festival, a breathtaking celebration of the country’s rich jazz piano heritage and its deep connections to European classical traditions. But Carlo’s journey doesn’t stop there. He is now preparing for yet another major event—Journey to Jazz in Prince Albert—where he will, once again grace the stages with his signature sound. And of course we are thrilled to have him with us today to unpack these monumental moments, his approach to curation, and what lies ahead for him in the world of jazz.

We are in the company of Italian bassist Rosa Brunello, who describes her music as a variety of styles, from avant-garde jazz to experimental soundscapes, she is also the bass player for American jazz vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater and you and I get to sit at her feet and listen to tales of her walk with jazz.

We were joined by friend of the The K Jazz Show and producer of The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival to talk about the 2025 Edition and what they have in store for you!

A Celebration of Karoo Spirit, Jazz Mastery & 30 Years of Democracy is what will be taking jazz travellers to the Western Cape’s town of Prince Albert this year. Building on the festival’s reputation for embodying the true Karoo spirit of music, the 2025 Journey to Jazz continues to attract a stellar line-up of jazz virtuosos.  A key highlight will be Kesivan and the Lights who will present a groundbreaking commissioned work marking South Africa’s 30 years of democracy.   This special performance will be the first time this work is performed on our home soil, offering audiences an evocative, deeply immersive musical conversation reflecting on the highs and lows of this transformative era. The piece will pay tribute to some of the greatest South African jazz composers from the past three decades (and earlier), inviting listeners, you know to experience the evolution of the country’s jazz landscape. Kesivan gave us the exclusive ahead of his tour.

Terrence Collie is a pianist and composer whose refined artistry has cemented him as a vital figure in the UK jazz scene. Known for his expressive touch, deep musicality, and ability to seamlessly blend tradition with contemporary influences, Collie has worked with some of the finest musicians in the industry. His latest project, Elements, is a captivating collection that showcases his evolution as both a composer and performer. In this exclusive interview for The K Jazz Show, we dive into his journey, inspirations, and the creative process behind his new release.

This past week, we learned of the passing of Suthukazi Arosi who transitioned at the age of 64. Suthu was a Singer, dancer, actress, and cultural activist born in Cala in the Eastern Cape. Longtime friend and colleague Mark Roth reflects on the life and times of this icon and we also get tributes from Musicians Bab Themba Mkhize, Skipper Tshabalala, Bernice Boikanyo, Phinda Mtya Matlala and Zamo Mbutho, Louis Mhlanga, actress Baby Cele and entertainer Somizi Mhlongo joins us in this tribute.

Chicagoan Adam Zanolini, is a an ethnomusicologist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and bandleader whose work embodies the deep and ever-evolving legacy of Black creative music. In a collaboration with the players and composers of the mighty AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians) and Chimurenga SA Celebrate the music and philosophy of Johnny Mbizo Dyani - akin to the AACM’s famed “Great Black Music - from ancient to future”. Adam stopped by the show to tell us about it.

North Carolina born and New York based Pianist and Composer Sean Mason is our guest. Whose musical journey has taken him from the soulful heart of the South to the bustling streets of New York City, where he’s now a staple in the city’s vibrant jazz scene. He’s had the honor of playing alongside jazz legends, and his story is one of passion, perseverance, and deep-rooted connection to his Southern roots. He joins us as we talk about his debut project as a leader including his grammy nominated collaboration project with jazz vocalist Cathrine Russell.

uManyano Lwe Jazz is more than just a festival, it is a space where music honours history, uplifts the present, and inspires future generations.          "a coming together of art, activism, and community. A celebration that bridges generations through music and heritage." And this year, the event celebrates Robert Sobukwe’s centenary bringing together art, activism, and community. Creator and Curator Zukiswa White stopped by on her way to the next edition.

South African vocalist, songwriter, recording and performing artist; based in Pretoria. Rorisang Sechele comes bearing news of the release of the first EP in her highly anticipated project, In Full Bloom - The Seed. This project is a celebration of becoming - exploring the beauty and complexity of personal growth through a vibrant fusion of jazz, soul, and RnB. Inspired by the phases of a flower’s life cycle, In Full Bloom lyrically and sonically captures the essence of one’s journey toward self-discovery.

Page Three’s featured artist is a masterful musician, a producer, published author, and educator.   He coined the word 'gospejazzical' as the original term to describe his unique style of piano performance. An improvised fusion of the gospel, jazz, and classical musical idioms that he has developed over many years. John Paul Mcgee or JP joins this Sunday as our guest and we reflect on his recent South African tour including a walk through his musical timeline

Our guest for this week’s hour Africa isn't the regular chip off the jazz block because fuses spoken word and jazz with conscious messaging as part of his repertoire. Imvemnyama’s music arrived on our desk a few weeks ago and he joins us today as we explore this artistry, including sampling some of his music. Click on the play button to rewind

Multi award winning jazz singer and composer who started playing the piano from the age of 5. She was named the Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz and has performed all over the world including, Czech Republic, Slovakia , Germany , France, Italy, Norway, Sweden and the United States. Her latest project, Seven came from 7 years of building a new life in New York City. They always say that every seven years you become a new person, so We explore this and many more conversations with Melanie who joins us for our weekly artist feature, This is Page Three

Vulani Maxwell Baloyi was born in Malamulele, Limpopo province. He is a Pianist, Producer, Arranger, Lecturer and Performer. And he joins us as our first guest on the show this Sunday as he is about to release his new body of work he calls “Healing Palms” and as always you and I get the front row seat to this exclusive , Maxwell joins us as he also gets ready for the launch event taking place later in the month of November and as always you are invited, Kofifi FM, please help me welcome to the show, Maxwell Baloyi

Multi-instrumentalist, multiple award nominee and acclaimed producer Mpumi Dhlamini He has performed and collaborated with musicians such as Proverb, Zwai Bala, Jimmy Dludlu and Lira while producing works for Wanda Baloyi, Brian Temba, Kabomo, Zama Jobe and Sphelelo Mazibuko; continuing to push the boundaries of genre bending and sonic expression in the jazz world. Weeks after an electrifying performance at the Joy of Jazz Festival in September, Mpumi Dhlamini joins us this Sunday and we are talking about his brand new project Nebula Nomad an interesting word play on clouds and all things universal when one talks about the interstellar, space travel and similar stories.

It was on the 27th August 2024, when we learned of the ascension of one of South Africa’s prolific jazz drummers. Makaya Ntshoko played with Dollar Brand's trio in 1958, and recorded in a sextet with Hugh Masekela and John Mehegan in 1959. He performed on The Jazz Epistles album, Jazz Epistle: Verse 1 and he was also a founding member of The Jazz Giants with Kippie Moeketsi, Dudu Pukwana, Gideon Nxumalo, and Martin Mgijima. Ntshoko left South Africa in 1962, moving to Switzerland and playing with Johnny Gertze and Dollar Brand at the Club Africana in Zurich from 1963 to 1965.   He ultimately settled in Basel, Switzerland and went on to release music as a leader, side man and collaborated with Johnny Dyani, Mal Waldron, Ben Webster and many other jazz greats. We gather this Sunday with South African Drummer and grandson of Makaya, Kanu Ntshoko as we pay tribute to this giant of South Africa’s jazz music, in a conversation we call, Remembering Makaya Ntshoko

The brand new Ncesh Nonxishi project which she calls “Apho Kungenje” is a conversation which finds itself deeply rooted in the times, Ncesh reflects on the political landscape, the social ills including our need for self satisfaction. Influenced by the Isixhosa folkloric tradition, we connect with her in the located spaces of Bokani Dyer, Lindi Ngonelo, Gally Ngoveni and Linda Tshabalala and together they curate this brand new conversation.

Our guest for page three this week, was born and raised in LA but is a die hard New Yorker who was drawn to the city by the music, art and its energy. Michael Mayo is a singer, songwriter and arranger who studied at the New England Conservatory of Music including the Hancock Institute of Jazz and was mentored by music icon Herbie Hancock. He released his debut project Bones in 2021, and now we get to catch up with him ahead of his next project which comes out on October 4th that he has titled "Fly" Michael Mayo, on The K Jazz Show.

Heritage month in South Africa is always a time to reflect on and honour our nation's diverse culture and rich heritage. South African award winning Jazz Bassist Herbie Tsoaeli and the Centre for Black Thought and African studies, did just that through a conversation and live jazz performances which were held in September on Black Theology and Afrikan Time Music. Joining us now, is Herbie Tsoaeli, Siyabulela Tonono and Dr Lerato Kobe as we look back on this event, its significance to heritage month and some of the lessons learnt from this experience.

Tutu Puoane is a vocal jazz virtuoso whose journey began in Tshwane in South Africa and she ultimately moved to Antwerp in Belgium. With 8 albums under her belt she peforms on the Joy of Jazz stages this September and stopped by The K Jazz Show and we got to catch on all of it including listening to her latest project #WrappedInRhythm. Do listen closer.

Our guest in this hour is a singer, song writer and voice over artist, with a keen interest in contributing to the creative industry's growth. She is an accomplished live performer and story teller who’s debut solo album entitled “Indlel’eyekhaya” was nominated for 3 South African Music Awards, including Best Jazz Album and Best Female Artist. It went onto win Mdlalose two Mzantsi Jazz Awards for Best Jazz Album and Best Newcomer. Joining us ahead of the 25th Joy of Jazz festival this September, Spha Mdlalose.

Keiko Matsui is a stunning, soft-spoken, and petite powerhouse with such a commanding presence at the piano and has amassed a devout following through the years. A renowned Japanese jazz and contemporary instrumental musician, known for her smooth jazz and new age compositions. She is our musical guest in this hour as one of the artists who will be on the Joy of Jazz stage this month and we get to spend time with her here on The K Jazz Show, ahead of this appearance.

Musical explorations and conversation take centre stage, Marwan Allam’s debut Bab Bhar combines Arabic, North African and Andalusian forms with modern jazz to create a synthesis which sets the musical languages of the traditional, within the framework of the new. Allam’s compositions build a bridge between old musics and new by building on rhythms, metres, idioms and intonations that the jazz listener would not expect to hear in a jazz context. Tunisian Born, New York based Jazz Bass Player Marwan Allam is our musical guest.

Our guest this Sunday, really needs no introduction, he is recognized for his contributions to jazz, and has built a significant international presence, collaborating with prominent musicians and participating in prestigious festivals worldwide. His latest project Inkumbulo or Reminiscence is a celebration of this journey of allyship, marking 20 years of the South African / Swiss Exchange program, a creative cross pollination including paying tribute to his loved ones. We get to spend time at the feet of elder Feya Faku, as he reveals this brand new offering.

The Joy of Jazz is weeks away and The K Jazz Show has been mapping the road to Johannesburg’s favourite festival and for the past few months you and I have been chatting to some of the festival’s headliners. These names have included international stars and our very own homegrown contemporaries , getting us excited and ready to witness the 25th edition of the festival in motion. This week on the show we are joined by trumpeter and composer Christopher Stephen Botti who established a reputation as a versatile musician in both jazz and pop music for his ability to fuse both styles together. For Page Three this Sunday, Chris Botti.

Vocalist, Composer, Bandleader and Educator stopped by The K Jazz Show to introduce the brand new project "The Sabbath" ahead of the release in September, we got to unpack and listen to this new body of work, exploring the themes more. Listen closer.

Our guest this Sunday, began his walk with music back in New Castle in KZN, was born into generations of musical tradition with family members made up of singers and instrumentalists. Musical heritage became second nature to Sphelelo & he was inevitably destined to respond to the passion of music in a big way. We’ve seen him on the various bandstands and in collaboration with some of the greats like Shane Cooper,Benjamin Jephta, Siya Makuzeni & Concord Nkabinde, Bassist & band leader Musa Manzini, but this time, he returns to the same stages, introducing his debut project “ New Age Inc: Faces”

At 23 years old, Matthew Whitaker is called a "genius" by Jon Batiste, an internationally recognized more for his prodigious talents and inspirational story. On Their Shoulders: An Organ Tribute is a soulful, 7-track shout-out to the Hammond B-3 organ pioneers who paved the way for him including Jimmy Smith, Charles Earland, Dr. Lonnie Smith and Joey DeFrancesco. Matthew stopped by The K JazzShow to tell us all about it.

The Joy of Jazz Festival is set to celebrate its 25 year milestone this year with a bold line-up of performances which take place on 27th and 28th of September 2024 This year, the festival will host over 50 world class musicians, from more than 10 countries. Who take to the five stages in two days, showcasing jazz music accents from the African continent, including Europe, East Asia, and the Americas, weaving a truly global vision of jazz, as a world unifying musical idiom. Darren English is billed as one of the headlining artists at this year’s Joy of Jazz Festival and we got to catch up with him ahead of the festivities.

Ahead of his show at the Mzantsi Jazz Award nominated "best venue for jazz" Melville's "Chiesa Di Pazzo Lupi" Trumpet Maestro Lwanda Gogwana stopped by the show to catch on all things jazz and then some.

The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, collaborated with The National School of Arts Alumni Mandla Mlangeni to raise funds for the improvement of the institution as South Africa commemorated Nelson Mandela Day 2024, We got to catch up with him on The K Jazz Show.

Our guest embraces her newfound freedom with a classic recording that encapsulates an illustrious 20-year career since the release of her debut album, Salt. She’s become renowned for her deep contralto and personal composing style, has had a remarkable career as a refined, soulful original, working with a variety of esteemed artists on various projects. Lizz Wright is also a trained chef who founded and manages her own wellness restaurant and café in her hometown of Chicago. She embraces Shadow as an eloquent opening of an inspiring new chapter, this is her latest project which features musicians Angelique Kidjo, Meshell Ndegeocello and Brandee Younger amongst many other incredible musicians. The New York Times touts as, “a smooth, dark alto possessed of qualities you might associate with barrel-aged bourbon or butter-soft leather

Exploration led us here, we travelled to France by the way of Guadeloupe and there we found Arnaud Dolmen. He is a drummer, composer, producer and one of the most acclaimed artists on the jazz scene. His distinctions include Revelation at the Victoires du Jazz, finalist of the Django Reinhardt Prize 2023, “French musician of the year”, “Top 3 best drummers of the year” by Jazz Magazine and Jazz News. Arnaud Dolmen is taking the rhythms and musical traditions of his native Guadeloupe, the French Caribbean island, in decidedly new directions. He stopped by this afternoon, on his way to the next adventure.

Jazzpianist and composer Daan Herweg is a renowned musician based in Amsterdam working on both local and international stages. Began his career at the The Manhattan School of music and the conservatory of Amsterdam, he is a much sought after sideman, writer and composer with many different projects. A free improviser, hit composer and music educator composing jazz that is compelling and well constructed We spent some time with the man and his music.

This Sunday, we celebrated one of South Africa’s most extraordinary piano talents, Thembi Dunjana has established herself as a star in Cape Town’s rich Jazz scene. Drawing upon varied inspirations that range from the American influences of Coltrane, Silver, and McCoy to South African legends like Molelekwa and Mseleku. Thembi released her Mzantsi jazz award winning project Intyatyambo in 2020. And now she is back in 2024 with her follow up and sophomore project “ God Bless Ikapa. God Bless Mzantsi”

Gerald Mack McKenzie, a composer and bassist who changed Cape Town’s Goema music tradition forever. Grew up in the city’s carnival culture and he helped form The Genuines, combining styles like rock, punk, classical and jazz with the music of his childhood. With musical guest and friend Leslie Javan, pay homage to this son of the soil and forever preserve the memories of his contributions to this indigenous South African sonic.

Louis Mhlanga is a Southern African musician, who’s passion for the guitar started at the age of 10, imitating the likes of Jimi Hendrix and many other rock musicians from the 60s through to the 70s. He is also a scholar of both the Southern and West African guitar traditions, successfully incorporating the mbira (thumb piano) patterns of the Shona people into his unique modern electric guitar style.Not a stranger to the music scene and his work has recieved high acclaim including the formation of the Louis Mhlanga Band with Andile Yenana, Sello Montwedi and Basie Mahlasela, in 2001. Bra Louis has a new project, Living for the Living which is coming out this month, and chats to us this Sunday

Belgian Drummer Kobe Gregoir, whose magical collaboration between Dutch/Congolese spoken word artist, Danielle Zawadi, encourages the fusion of spoken word, rap, and jazz as a bi -cultural snapshot of Generation Z, and they influenced by American jazz from the turbulent 1960s with a powerful spoken-word and jazz project representing Africa and Europe at the same time, as we commemorate Youth month in South Africa, this conversation is a glimpse outwardly to the other young creators of Jazz and how they interpret and recreate jazz in 2024.

Defined as a meeting between instruments, not traditions. Most certainly, the dialogue between Ballaké Sissoko’s kora and Derek Gripper’s guitar is a summit between two master musicians who are operating with control and freedom at the highest peaks of their art. Armed with Ballake’s Sissoko’s kora tradition and lineage traverse the once powerful empire known as Kaabu of West Africa and Derek Gripper’s European Classic guitar these two gentle do not share spoken language but but if it is true that music speaks universally, then they were already involved in profound dialogue long before they met. After a successful American Tour, This June the duo touches down in South Africa for a you cant afford to miss out Tour in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg from June 14th until June 21st Joining us, is a gentleman who really has redefined interpreting how the Kora sounds using only his guitar. Cape Town based Guitarist and friend of the K Jazz Show, Derek Dripper

Thandeka Dladla has been spending some time in Joburg over the past week or so working on different things including an incredible performance in Melville last night. She joins us this afternoon as we wrap up her tour, talking about that experience and some of the interesting things she has been up to… Vocalist and fellow West Rand native Thandeka Dladla, Chats to us.

Our guest is a jazz pianist, composer and author who introduced the first university jazz course in Africa in 1984 and established the internationally famous Centre for Jazz & Popular Music on the Durban campus of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Throughout this time he toured internationally leading professional and student groups and playing with some of South Africa’s top musicians. Together with his wife, Catherine they wrote a memoir, about their 23 years in South Africa. “Playing the changes” which is also a documentary, examines why and how jazz had such a transformative role in different societies such as (post-)Soviet Poland and Mandela’s South Africa The documentary is coming to our shores and you and I get the front row seat.

In what is shaping up to be one of the best line-ups in a history of outstanding programmes, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) is pulling out all the stops to ensure that its comeback on 3 and 4 May 2024, is one to be enjoyed and remembered.  Staying true to its roots of providing the performance space for a mixture of established and bright new talent, this year’s festival will showcase African music royalty alongside their international counterparts. Of course, the return of the festival is what is currently on everyones lips, including it’s eclectic line up so joining us this morning to answer all your festino questions, spokesperson for the Cape Town International Festival Ms Kaz Henderson ahead of Africa’s grandest gathering.

A dynamic jazz ensemble from Stellenbosch in the Western Cape is on the rise. This quintet has been around to almost a year, and already has already made a considerable impact on the jazz scenes of Stellenbosch and Cape Town. They believe in authenticity and embracing each other’s the diverse backgrounds, creating a unique musical experience. Pianist, Melisizwe Plaatjie, Bassist Dillon Cornelius, Classic guitarist Aubrey Jr Matsila including Drummer Stuart Martin and Saxophonist Mark Lynch are the “Sun Quintet” and they joined us for “Page Three” this Sunday.

Extraordinary” Jazz musician, pianist and composer, who is considered a leading exponent of ‘Cape Jazz’ and has worked with a number of top shelf musicians, including Robbie Jansen, McCoy Mrubata, and Terumasa Hino. Ramon Alexander has two albums to his credit and has produced several recording projects, he is an educator in jazz piano and currently mentoring Prince Albert’s very own, Karoo Jazz Project. A student of classical music and word on the street is that he is also a wine maker. For Hour Africa, this morning, he talks to us ahead of the upcoming Journey to Jazz Festival touching on his work with the youth jazz band of the Karoo.

Our musical guest this week, released his second project “I Am, Who Am” which was a follow up from the debut album One Step' Forward which he released in 2004. This album talks about his musical experience and the journey that he travelled up to this point. It is a project that gave him more insight of how the industry works not just as a performer. Flash forward and the year is 2023, Queenstown based bassist Mlungisi Gegana released his 3rd project “My Space, My Time” and ahead of his Joburg tour he joins us in conversation about this new offering and what you, can look forward to as he comes by our neighbourhood.

Our guest is a talented atmospheric pianist, producer and educator who’s worked with Lawrence Matshiza, Hugh Masekela including the popular band Stimela and has also released solo projects of his own. Fascinated by the IsiSwati rhythm heritage, he wants to fuse this with with modern technology to further elevate the African sonic to a place where the global community can appreciate and celebrate even further. Naturally, I was intrigued by this stance and as always I let the curiosity get the better of me and we have invited him to join us this week to explore this story and also get to know his life in music.

The Transatlantic Jazz Exchange is a newly formed project that aims to foster artistic growth, promote cross-cultural understanding, and create lasting bonds between musicians from Africa (Cape Town, Johannesburg) and the African Diaspora (New York) thereby bringing these marginalized communities together. We spoke to Activist Nasia Seria and Jazz Writer Ron Scott, ahead of their Joburg launch