Jazz is a big part of our heritage as South Africans, and the smooth tunes of our local icons are always welcome. To get you into the flow for International Jazz Day on 30 April, we’re rounded up some of the best in SA jazz albums.   

Hugh Masekela 

A legend in the jazz genre, Bra Hugh earned his nickname as “The father of African jazz”. His songs were a beacon of hope during apartheid and have given many South Africans a reason to sing and dance despite the challenges our country has faced. His influence wasn’t only local, though – his work earned him three grammy nominations, most recently for his album Jabulani in 2012.  

@wherewereyou7 Hugh Masekela fondly known as Bra Hugh released “Thuma Mina” in 1968 which translates to “Send Me” in Zulu, drawing from Isaiah 6:8 in the Bible, where the prophet responds to a divine call to service. Masekela’s song echoes this theme, framing it as a call to activism and social justice, aligning with his anti-apartheid efforts. Drop a flag to let us know which country you are watching from. #hughmasekela #jazz #seo #creatorsearchinsights #howtomakemoneyonline #oldwestafricansongs #eastafricamusic #originalmusiccomesfromafrica #tiktoksouthafrica #tiktokafrica #tiktokafrique🇹🇬🇨🇩🇨🇮🇧🇯🇬🇦🇨🇲🇬🇦 #tiktoksouthafrica🇿🇦 ♬ original sound – Wawungakanani_HowOldWereYou?🤔

Miriam Makeba  

Arguably one of her best songs, ‘Pata Pata’ is a tune that has blasted through many households and during many joyful car rides. It’s not surprising that the album of the same name made it to number 74 in the US albums chart of 1967 – an impressive achievement considering SA’s complicated history. Mama Afrika taught us all to click – and we’ve been jiving with her ever since.    

@lyrics_citadel PATA PATA BY MIRIAM MAKEBA #patapata #miriammakeba #southafrica ##throwback #fyp #kaganxmasgiveaway ♬ original sound – LYRICS CITADEL

Abdullah Ibrahim 

An icon in Cape jazz, Abdullah Ebrahim (known as Dollar Brand before he converted to Islam) is the man behind ‘Mannenberg – Is Where It’s Happening’, which was recorded back in 1974 during apartheid. Living in exile, he still managed to make music during his visits to Cape Town. 

@joemazibuko #abdullahibrahim #mannenburg #genxtiktokers #goodvibes #grandoldies #SAMA28 ♬ original sound – Joe Mazibuko

Judith Sephuma 

A cry… a smile… a dance… Judith Sephuma’s most popular song has given many South Africans – and other people from all over the world – an anthem to live by. Her debut album ‘A cry, a smile, a dance’ was a winner – as were all those to follow, for which she’s earned international recognition and several awards.  

@easyf10 heard the song “A Cry, A Smile, A Dance” during an interview with Dame Judith Sephuma on a radio show. Caught her that same night at a club and had the pleasure of capturing her at the weekend’s #capetowninternationaljazzfestival #ctijf24 #jazzfestival #jazz #jazzmusic #music #jazzfest #jazzclub #jazzmusician #livemusic #jazzphotography #jazzmaster #piano #livejazz #jazzy #musician #jazzpiano #festival #jazzphoto #jazzguitar #jazzmusicians #jazzsinger #jazzbass #jazzband #blues #jazzlive ♬ original sound – Liz✨️

Images: Instagram

Words: Shani Tsai