Afrika Mkhize

Afrika Mkhize at Sankayi Jazz Series

Sankayi Jazz Series welcomes acclaimed South African pianist, composer, arranger, producer, musical director and educator Afrika Mkhize on Friday, 9 October.

Mkhize began playing piano at the age of six and received classical training at the Funda Centre Music School in Soweto before studying at the National School of the Arts and later Pretoria Technikon, where he further developed his passion for jazz, composition and arranging. At just 20, he became musical director and pianist for the legendary Miriam Makeba, beginning a career that has seen him collaborate with some of South Africa and Africa’s most celebrated artists, including Hugh Masekela, Sibongile Khumalo, Jonas Gwangwa, Oliver Mtukudzi, Vusi Mahlasela, Simphiwe Dana, Jimmy Dludlu and Judith Sephuma.

His work extends across jazz, film, hip hop and house. Mkhize has composed and arranged for the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra and Roma Philharmonic Orchestra, and has contributed to projects including Jazz Meets Symphony, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz and tributes to Bheki Mseleku and Letta Mbulu. His production credits include Tlale Makhene’s Ascension of the Enlightened, which won the 2005 MTN SAMA Award for Best Contemporary Jazz. He received the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Jazz in 2012, released his debut album Raindancer in 2015, and continues to perform internationally with the Afrika Mkhize Quartet, The Rainmakers and his celebrated Big Band.

Friday, 9 October

Doors 18:00 | Music 20:00

Sankayi Jazz Series, Morningside

Please arrive early to order your food and drinks before the music begins. Once the performance starts, we ask that guests keep movement and conversation to a minimum out of respect for the musicians and fellow audience members.

Seats are reserved when booking. We’re continuing to refine the best way to manage seating at Sankayi, and we know some guests are finding it difficult to select the right number of seats around the table they’d like. If you’re having any trouble with your booking or seating, please contact us on +27 50 053 3133, and we’ll be happy to assist.