Writer: Live Music Desk | Photographs: Supplied
The organisers of uManyano Lwe Jazz are thrilled to announce the return of South Africa’s most beloved boutique jazz festival. This year’s event, scheduled for 7–8 December 2024 at Villa Simone, Johannesburg, carries added significance as it marks the centenary of Robert Sobukwe, one of South Africa’s most revered icons of the liberation struggle.
uManyano Lwe Jazz 2024 pays tribute to Sobukwe’s unwavering legacy of justice, courage, and Pan-Africanism, offering a powerful two-day fusion of music, culture, and reflection. True to its roots, the festival provides an intimate platform where art meets activism, creating a transformative space for inspiration and connection.
The festival will feature a world-class roster of South Africa’s leading jazz icons and groundbreaking emerging talents, including:
- Dr Nduduzo Makhathini & Mbuso Khoza performing Abasemkhathini —a spiritually resonant collaboration rooted in jazz’s deeper essence.
- Herbie Tsoaeli, Siya Makuzeni, Linda Sikhakhane, and Leomile deliver soul-stirring performances that narrate powerful stories through their music.
- Mpumi Dhlamini, Bokang Ramatlapeng, and Kujenga showcase the innovation and evolution of South African jazz.
- The experimental brilliance of Sibusile Xaba and Sun Xa Experiment pushes the boundaries of sound and performance with their genre-defying style.
The weekend’s energy will be amplified by dynamic DJ sets from Nqalastyle, Wenawedwa, Lavas, and Soul Br_th_r, ensuring an unforgettable festival atmosphere.
This year’s festival commemorates Robert Sobukwe’s 100th birth anniversary, celebrating his vision of unity, freedom, and social justice. Sobukwe’s ideals resonate profoundly with the ethos of jazz, a genre that embodies resilience, liberation, and community strength.
Through this celebration, uManyano Lwe Jazz not only honours a towering figure in South African history but also sparks vital conversations at the intersection of music, activism, and social transformation.
Event Details
- Dates: 7–8 December 2024
- Venue: Villa Simone, Johannesburg
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About uManyano Lwe Jazz
uManyano Lwe Jazz is South Africa’s premier boutique jazz festival, renowned for its celebration of music, culture, and activism. Each year, the festival creates a space for audiences to experience the nation’s most compelling artists while exploring the evolving traditions of jazz and its role in social change.
