The Cape Town jazz scene has long held a rhythm that speaks to the soul. It’s a sound that flows from the hearts of emerging talents to the city’s many live music events, creating a harmony that attracts jazz lovers of all ages. This spirit of connection and creativity gave rise to one of the most innovative musical experiences in the country: the Cape Town Jazz Train.
This past weekend marked the third edition of the one-of-a-kind event founded by visionaries Koko Nkalashe and Nono Nkoane. True to its name, the Cape Town Jazz Train brings live jazz onto the railway tracks, offering an immersive experience that not only entertains but honours the legacy of musicians who once relied on trains to get to their gigs during apartheid-era struggles. It’s both a journey and a tribute, a moving homage to history, heritage, and harmony.
The Glamour team was invited to experience this magical ride firsthand on the 2nd of August, and from start to finish, it was nothing short of spectacular. Tickets for the event sold out in just one week, proof of the city’s appetite for this unforgettable fusion of movement and melody.
The day began at Cape Town’s PRASA station, where guests were welcomed with refreshments before boarding the train at 11 AM. As the train departed for Vlottenburg Station in Stellenbosch, the sounds of live jazz filled the carriages. Passengers swayed along to the soothing melodies, as the rhythm carried them through the Cape landscape.
Stepping off the train in Stellenbosch, guests were greeted with a vibrant setup and a sense of celebration in the air. The dynamic Lerato Sokhulu, comedian, voice-over artist and radio host, charmed the crowd as host, setting the tone for the festivities. She introduced the founders, who took a moment to welcome everyone and reflect on the deeper meaning behind the day.
“The Cape Town Jazz Train is about more than just music,” said Koko Nkalashe. “It’s about bridging the gap between transport and culture in Cape Town, while honouring the generation who once used this very system to carry their craft across the city.” His words echoed the spirit of his other initiative, Jazz in the Native Yards, a township-rooted project committed to making jazz accessible in spaces that have long been overlooked.
Under the Stellenbosch sun, Atiyyah Khan spun an inspired vinyl set, dropping South African classics from the likes of Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela. Her curation created a nostalgic, celebratory vibe while guests enjoyed hospitality from the Heineken bar, Van Ryn’s Distillery and local food trucks serving Cape flavours with flair.
On stage, drummer and composer Asher Gamedze performed selections from his acclaimed album Dialectic Soul. The work, named one of the top jazz albums of the year by The New York Times, carried political and spiritual depth, including a touching tribute to the late jazz icon Zim Ngqawane. Gamedze’s performance invited the audience into a space of reflection and resistance, layered with sonic beauty.
Closing out the afternoon was the legendary bassist Herbie Tsoaeli, affectionately known as Malume. A true jazz titan, Tsoaeli delivered a masterclass in musical storytelling with beloved tracks like Hamba Nomalume, Wozani Nonke Sizothandaza, Kerekeng, and township tribute jam, East Gugs Skomline to Khaltsha. The Nyanga East-born maestro, held the crowd in the palm of his hand with every note and left the audience wanting more.
As the train made its return journey to Cape Town, the celebration continued with laughter, dancing, and impromptu jam sessions in every carriage. The atmosphere was electric, a shared joy that reminded everyone aboard of music’s power to unite across generations, backgrounds, and borders.
The final Cape Town Jazz Train of the year will take place in October, with dates to be announced soon. If you missed this ride, don’t let the next one pass you by. It’s more than a train ride. It’s a living, breathing love letter to jazz, heritage, and the unbreakable spirit of Cape Town.
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