Celebrate International Jazz Day with the smooth sounds and powerful legacies of 3 legendary South African jazz artists.
1. JONATHAN BUTLER
Jonathan Butler has been making waves with his music for years, but recently he made headlines for a different reason – he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Stellenbosch for his influence in the local music industry. He was one of the first artists of colour to be featured on TV and radio during apartheid and used his influence to publicly support political prisoners at the time. His first hit single – ‘Lies’ – is a blend of jazz, R&B and pop and remains an essential part of Cape Town households (where he’s from). It also left an impression across the globe, reaching the 27th spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1987.
2. GLORIA BOSMAN
She started her singing journey in a church choir in Soweto, her first album was award-winning and she spent her whole life sharing her passion for music with others. Just three days before her passing in 2023, Gloria Bosman was singing on stage, which shows that her love for jazz went well beyond the many awards she’s won (and had been nominated for). The singer was more than just that – she also produced and composed many of her own songs and broke through many gender-based stereotypes that existed within the industry.
3. SIPHO “HOTSTIX” MABUSE
While he is well-known for his many musical abilities which spread across the gospel, reggae and dance genres, to name a few, Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse made a lasting impression on the jazz scene. His music took our country through the years of apartheid and, at 73 years old, he’s still selling out live shows! He truly is a living legend that South Africans can be proud of.
Jonathan Butler has been making waves with his music for years, but recently he made headlines for a different reason – he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Stellenbosch for his influence in the local music industry. He was one of the first artists of colour to be featured on TV and radio during apartheid and used his influence to publicly support political prisoners at the time. His first hit single – ‘Lies’ – is a blend of jazz, R&B and pop and remains an essential part of Cape Town households (where he’s from). It also left an impression across the globe, reaching the 27th spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1987.
@jonathankennethbutler Just a little jazz with my Guitar. #jonathanbutler #jazzfestival #jazz #jazztok #jazzfest #jazzfestival2022 ♬ original sound - Jonathan Butler
2. GLORIA BOSMAN
She started her singing journey in a church choir in Soweto, her first album was award-winning and she spent her whole life sharing her passion for music with others. Just three days before her passing in 2023, Gloria Bosman was singing on stage, which shows that her love for jazz went well beyond the many awards she’s won (and had been nominated for). The singer was more than just that – she also produced and composed many of her own songs and broke through many gender-based stereotypes that existed within the industry.
@gloriabosman #Nikis #OGs ♬ original sound - gloriabosman
3. SIPHO “HOTSTIX” MABUSE
While he is well-known for his many musical abilities which spread across the gospel, reggae and dance genres, to name a few, Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse made a lasting impression on the jazz scene. His music took our country through the years of apartheid and, at 73 years old, he’s still selling out live shows! He truly is a living legend that South Africans can be proud of.
@diamond.city.jazz Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse| GET TO KNOW YOUR ARTIST 🎷 The sound of Sipho “Hotstix’ Mabuse set the world alight with sonic vibrations that contributed to the cultural development of world music, Afro-funk, Soweto soul, township pop and contemporary sounds over the years. Thirty-seven years ago, Sipho’s half-a-million-selling smash-hit single “Burn Out” changed the face and shape of Afro-pop and township jive like no other song or artist in pop music history. He has also recorded and produced many legendary artists, the likes of Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Ray Phiri and Sibongile Khumalo. As a regular commentator on arts and culture in the country, Sipho has also sat on the boards of Music Exchange , The National Arts Council and SAMRO (South African Musicians Rights Organisation). 🎷 ( Source:Hotstixmabuse.org) We cant wait to have him. What would you like to see him perform? #diamondcityjazz #jazzfestival #tiktokbotswana #trendingvideo #fypp ♬ original sound - Diamond City Jazz Festival
Image: Instagram
3 ICONIC SOUTH AFRICAN JAZZ ARTISTS TO CELEBRATE FOR INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY
Reviewed by Amaarah
on
April 30, 2025
Rating:
Reviewed by Amaarah
on
April 30, 2025
Rating:
