Johannesburg hums with a rhythm all its own, fast, bold, and constantly evolving. But beneath the rush of traffic and towering skylines, the city also breathes to the smooth, unpredictable pulse of jazz. From dimly lit basements to open-air courtyards, Joburg’s jazz venues offer more than just music, they’re spaces of expression, experimentation, and community. Whether you're a seasoned listener or just jazz-curious, the city's live music scene invites you to slow down, lean in, and let the sound take over. Here are some of the most captivating spots where jazz still lives, thrives, and surprises.
Chiesa di PAZZO LUPi
Chiesa di Pazzo Lupi is a unique outdoor canteen nestled beneath a canopy of trees, a tranquil spot open daily from 8:00 to 16:30 for casual meals and coffee in nature. By day, it’s a peaceful retreat with secure parking and relaxed charm. But as evening falls, the reimagined church building, the chiesa, comes alive as a music venue. Hosting both seasoned and emerging musicians, it offers an intimate stage for performances across genres, with jazz at its soulful core.
Untitled Basement
Hidden beneath Artivist, Untitled Basement is an intimate underground venue where live music takes on a raw, experimental edge. With its moody, stripped-down aesthetic and boundary-pushing performances, it’s become a haven for artists who blur genres and reimagine sound. More than a venue, it’s a space where music feels personal, alive, and deeply connected to its audience.
The Marabi Club
Tucked away in the heart of New Doornfontein lies a hidden gem where jazz isn't just played, it lives and breathes, a space where timeless melodies and contemporary flair collide. Paying homage to the golden age of Harlem’s jazz scene, The Marabi Club pulses with a magnetic energy, sultry, soulful, and unapologetically expressive. The atmosphere is rich with mood and memory, as vintage décor and intimate lighting transport you to another era. It’s more than a venue; it’s an experience that stirs both heart and imagination.
Recent stories by:
Sindeka Mandoyi
Youth Month Spotlight: South African trailblazers on Forbes 30 under 30 list
South Africans react to Nonku Williams's exit from The Real Housewives of Durban
THE FIX unveils Africa’s largest flagship store in Cape Town – a retail revolution rooted in local culture and global vision
Book Dash welcomes Thembalethu Shangase as the new executive director
sin
GLAMOUR Recommends
Women in Jazz: Tamzyn Freeks is reshaping tradition with every note
Blending jazz soul and storytelling, Lauren Manning creates a powerful emotional world in her debut album "Four Walls"
Man Candy: Linda Sikhakhane wins best jazz album at the 2025 Metro FM Music awards
Fashion Friday: Style diary with soulful songstress Zoë Modiga
From Cape Town to the world: A symphony for International Jazz Day
Women in Jazz: Giuliette Price is redefining the rhythm of a new generation
Women in Jazz: The rise of Tanatswa Pepukai and the power of the Nala Collective
Nduduzo Makhathini returns to Cape Town jazz festival stage, while unveiling bold G-Star RAW collaboration
