Intimate Evenings: The Sankayi Jazz Series

Immerse yourself in the soulful sounds of South Africa’s finest contemporary musical talents. Running weekly throughout June 2026, the Sankayi Jazz Series offers a curated live music experience hosted at the elegant Sankayi Restaurant & Lounge. This special event series marks an exciting chapter for the venue, transforming it into a dedicated listening-focused sanctuary where world-class jazz, sophisticated hospitality, and premium dining seamlessly come together.

The Concert Experience

Each Friday evening features a meticulously structured performance designed to preserve the integrity of the music while keeping guests comfortable:

• Two Full Sets: Every featured artist performs two distinct sets with a 30-minute interval in between.

• Prioritised Service: To ensure an uninterrupted, concert-style listening experience, food and drink service is prioritised as soon as doors open so that guests can settle in before the music starts.

• Seating Allocation: Tables are allocated on a strict first-come, first-served basis, making early arrival highly recommended.

The June 2026 Artist Lineup

The winter iteration of the series features four distinct, highly revered voices defining the landscape of modern South African jazz:

Week 1 – Vuma Levin

• Date: Friday, 5 June 2026.

• The Profile: One of the most significant forces in contemporary jazz, guitarist and composer Vuma Levin uses his highly personal musical language to explore themes of identity, memory, and post-apartheid belonging. His style beautifully integrates traditional South African sonic motifs with modern global jazz structures.

Week 2 – Sydney Mavundla

• Date: Friday, 12 June 2026.

• The Profile: A true veteran of the South African music scene, trumpeter and bandleader Sydney Mavundla brings a deep, warm tone and lyrical improvisational style born from decades of performance. His sets represent an elegant bridge between historical church brass roots and forward-thinking acoustic arrangements.

Week 3 – Spha Mdlalose

• Date: Friday, 19 June 2026.

• The Profile: Celebrated singer and songwriter Spha Mdlalose is a master storyteller with a deeply expressive vocal technique. Known for her acclaimed album Indlel’eyekhaya, she effortlessly blends classic jazz with African song traditions to deliver deeply emotional, sophisticated performances.

Week 4 – Ndabo Zulu

• Date: Friday, 26 June 2026.

• The Profile: Closing out the June calendar is multiple SAMA award-winning trumpeter Ndabo Zulu. A brilliant young pioneer on the jazz circuit, his forward-thinking arrangements and high-profile collaborations have solidified his reputation as an essential modern voice.

Event Logistics & Ticket Information

• When: Every Friday in June 2026.

• Times: Doors open at 18:00 PM | Dinner service starts at 20:00 PM.

• Venue: Sankayi Restaurant & Lounge, Green Park Corner, corner of Lower Road and West Road South, Morningside, Johannesburg.

• Ticket Cost: R400 per person (Excludes dinner and bar refreshments).

Reservations

Advanced booking is required as seating capacity inside the lounge is strictly limited to support the intimate setting. Tickets for the upcoming events can be purchased securely through the official ticketing partner, Quicket.

If you are looking to trade noisy, crowded spots for a premium night out centred around deep musical appreciation and great food, the Sankayi Jazz Series is Johannesburg’s definitive weekend destination this winter. Secure your tickets on Quicket today to claim your table!