Centre for Jazz and Popular Music

04/09/2026

Feel the Rhythm: UKZN’s 2026 Instrumental Showcase Brings the Stage to Life
Get ready for an evening of extraordinary musicianship as the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music presents the 2026 Instrumental Showcase, featuring talented students from the UKZN School of Arts Music Programme.
Taking place on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, this exciting showcase will spotlight the creativity, versatility and musical energy of some of UKZN’s emerging instrumentalists. Audiences can expect an engaging evening of live music as the next generation of performers takes centre stage.
Among the featured musicians are Phethokuhle Shozi on piano and keys, Zolile Mgqatsa on bass, Jude Miller on saxophone and trumpeter Phakamile Mtshali, alongside many more talented student musicians.
The showcase promises to be a celebration of instrumental performance and the vibrant musical talent emerging from UKZN. Expect tunes from composers such as Bheki Mseleku,Freddie Hubbard and Andile Yenana.

Event Details
Date: Wednesday, 9 September 2026
Doors open: 17:00
Music starts: 17:30
Venue: Centre for Jazz and Popular Music, Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2, Howard College Campus, UKZN
General Admission: R130
Pensioners: R100
Students: R70
Cash at the door.
Whether you are a passionate jazz enthusiast, a supporter of young musicians, a UKZN community member or simply looking for an inspiring night of live music, the 2026 Instrumental Showcase is an event not to be missed.

03/09/2026

02/09/2026

31/08/2026

Total Eclipse by Mpumi Dhlamini on Wednesday 02 September 2026 at 17:30.



This is a first listen to the music of a 21-album musical journey by Dhlamini. The first preview of Total Eclipse a landmark 21-album series celebrating a new chapter in his musical journey. This performance introduces new music from the project ahead of its upcoming release, offering audiences an exclusive first listen to music that will unfold across the 21-album series.



Joining Pianist Mpumi on stage are Sbu Zondi on drums and Senzo Mdamba on bass. This performance marks the beginning of a two-month series of live performances leading up to the Total Eclipse releases makes it the opening chapter of an ambitious musical journey.

Event details:

TOTAL ECLIPSE LIVE PREVIEW by Mpumi Dhlamini

Date: Wednesday, 02 September 2026

Doors Open: 17:00

Performance: 17:30

Centre for Jazz and Popular Music

Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2

UKZN Howard College Campus

Access: Gates 3 or 8, Rick Turner Road

Tickets:

R130 (General Admission)

R100 (Pensioners)

R70 (Students)

Tickets are available for cash at the Door

27/08/2026

Mama Africa: A Tribute to Miriam Makeba performed by S**i Jo-An
The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music proudly presents Mama Africa: "A Tribute to Miriam Makeba" presented by S**i Jo- An on Tuesday 01 September 2026 at 17:30.
The show is a powerful musical celebration honouring the life, legacy, and incomparable artistry of the legendary Mama Africa, Miriam Makeba. Performed by the internationally acclaimed vocalist S**i Jo-An, this concert reimagines Makeba’s iconic songs with authenticity, heart, and contemporary flair while staying deeply rooted in the spirit and culture that shaped her music. Presented in South Africa and Brazil Between September- November 2026. These months are very important as they align with the purpose of this tour, September being heritage month in South Africa while November is Black History month in Brazil.
The performance brings to the stage the emotions, struggles, and triumphs that shape us. This concert pays special homage to the woman whose voice became a symbol of freedom, cultural pride, and global unity. S**i Jo-An leads this heartfelt tribute, bringing her rich storytelling, world-class vocal artistry, and deep cultural connection to the stage. S**i Jo-An is widely known as The African Queen from The Voice South Africa, where her unforgettable performance of Makeba’s “Uqongqothwane (The Click Song)” captivated millions and went viral across the world. Her commanding stage presence, emotive storytelling, and vocal artistry have since earned her international recognition and a devoted global audience. Her performance not only honoured Makeba’s legacy but marked a turning point in her own artistic journey.

The curated setlist includes beloved classics such as “Lakushoni Langa ,” “Khawuleza,” “Malaika,” “Aluta Continua,” “Pata Pata,” and more alongside gems that reflect her cultural range and collaborations, including Brazilian favourites like “Mas Que Nada” and “Chove Chuva.” showcasing the global reach of Makeba’s influence. She recently completed an international tour across South Africa, Tanzania, India, and Brazil, promoting her debut album of original compositions. Her artistic journey has also taken her to New Zealand, Australia, North America, South America, and Asia as a celebrated cruise ship performer.

Beyond her dynamic stage presence and vocal accomplishments S**i Jo-An is a Rhodes University Bachelor of Arts Graduate in Music and Drama, a multi-talented creative who plays, piano, guitar. Her multifaceted background enriches her interpretation of Makeba’s timeless music, making this tribute both a remembrance and a renewal. S**i Jo-An on vocals joined by pianist Qaqambile Qingana, bassist Khayo Hlophe and drummer Mzwa Bhengu.

Event Details: Mama Africa: A Tribute to Miriam Makeba performed by S**i Jo-An
Date: Tuesday 01 September 2026
Doors Open: 17:00
Performance: 17:30
Centre for Jazz and Popular Music
Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2
UKZN Howard College Campus
Access: Gates 3 or 8, Rick Turner Road
Tickets:
R130 (General Admission)
R100 (Pensioners)
R70 (Students)
Tickets are available on Webtickets
https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1599906383