Jazz at The Bioscope presents an eclectic monthly program that reflects the vibrancy and diversity of Johannesburg’s jazz scene. Happening on the first Thursday of every month, and curated by award winning musician Mandla Mlangeni , the series brings together established musicians and emerging voices, weaving traditional jazz idioms with contemporary sounds, experimental improvisation, and cross-genre collaborations.
Each performance is designed to surprise and engage audiences, offering a kaleidoscope of styles that range from soulful ballads to avant-garde explorations. By situating these performances in The Bioscope Independent Cinema, the program embraces an intimate setting that allows audiences to experience jazz as both a communal and deeply personal art form.
PROGRAMME
THURS 7 May 8pm: With Louis Mhlanga BOOK NOW.
Louis Mhlanga is a legend in the musical fraternity, the artists’ artist, and his distinctive style of picking and plucking the guitar, what he calls the African guitar, is now being emulated by a host of young guitarists. In addition to being globally respected and acknowledged as the master of the African guitar, Louis is best known for his warmth and humility, and his guiding motto of respect, for the world and all the people in it. His persona and musical style embodies the voice of our continent.
MORE ON JAZZ AT THE BIOSCOPE:
Beyond the music itself, Jazz at The Bioscope intends to create a platform for dialogue, cultural exchange, and collective celebration. In a city where performance venues are scarce, the series provides artists with a vital space to connect with audiences, fostering meaningful engagement and creative risk-taking. More than entertainment, the program positions jazz as a tool for social cohesion—encouraging open conversations, amplifying marginalized voices, and cultivating a safe environment where culture thrives. By blending artistry with community-building, Jazz at The Bioscope offers Joburg not just concerts, but a living, breathing space where freedom, creativity, and unity converge.
