Jazz in South Africa grew concurrently with jazz in the United States, carried by a flourishing community of musicians and concert venues. During the apartheid, it was censored by the government, causing many of the artists to emigrate, which ended up introducing the world to South African jazz. After the end of apartheid, the scene revitalized, with many clubs, young and old, catering to ardent jazz heads. Here are a few of our favorites.
The Soweto Hotel, Soweto
The 1950s were the golden age for jazz music, best exemplified by the famous Jazz Maniacs collective. In modern times, the Soweto Hotel named their restaurant after the group, showcasing authentic jazz sounds alongside classic township fare.
The Chairman, Durban
The Chairman is a relatively new venue, featuring jazz Thursday to Saturday starting at 7 p.m., and going well into the late night. You’ll find the atmosphere sophisticated yet modern, attracting a mix of young and old and featuring a resident DJ playing contemporary music alongside jazz.
Bassline, Johannesburg
This might be the city’s best music venue, moving into Newton Music Hall in 2001 and taking over the 1,000-seat auditorium and the more intimate, 150-seat venue. Bassline features a variety of music, but the best events are its jazz and afro-beat festivals.
West End Jazz Club, Cape Town
West End is the premier venue for live jazz music, draped in opulent velvet and showcasing the best jazz talent from around the world. If you’re a serious jazz fan, make a point of stopping here on Friday or Saturday.
Read This Next
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Apr 25, 2024Celebrate May at Memphis in May International Festival
With May around the corner, it's time to put some last-minute, can’t-miss activities on your radar. Memphis, Tennessee, “Home of the Blues,” is set to host its annual Memphis in May International Festival, featuring the World Championship Barbeque Cooking Contest and a marathon along the Mississippi River and more.
Sponsored Content
Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
Hotel
Apr 25, 2024JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi Opens
JW Marriott’s second property in Kenya recently opened: JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi stands as the tallest hotel in the country at 35 stories. Located in the Westlands commercial district, JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi boasts 315 guestrooms, several dining destinations, a Spa by JW, a swimming pool, a fitness center and eight event spaces. A sky bar and lounge, as well as 51 serviced apartments, will open later this year.
Destinations / North America
Apr 24, 2024How to See the Northern Lights in Alberta, Canada, This Year
You may have heard 2024 is going to be one of the best years to see the northern lights and, if you’re interested in experiencing this phenomenon for yourself, you likely have been thinking about making the trip to Iceland or Scandinavia — notable destinations for northern lights viewing. However, you don’t have to leave North America to take in the Aurora Borealis. Alberta offers plenty of spots and ways to see the northern lights.
Sponsored Content
Discover Nashville Neighborhoods
Whether you are interested in music, art, history, food, sports or fashion, Music City has something for everyone to sing about. Nashville is accessible, friendly and authentic, with diverse neighborhoods, a storied musical heritage and a creative culture that energizes the city.
Trends
Apr 24, 2024This Internship Has You Cuddling Cows
Harvest Hosts, a membership program offering RVers access to more than 5,000 unique camping locations, recently announced the launch of its Cow Cuddling internship program for the summer. The internship offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for people to immerse themselves in the therapeutic practice of cuddling with cows while contributing to their well-being.
ShareThis