UKZN Centre for Jazz and Popular Music Presents Festivals Preview Concert

The University of KwaZulu-Natal Centre for Jazz and Popular Music will host a special preview concert on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, showcasing the outstanding student ensembles preparing to represent the university at two major jazz festivals later this month.

Audiences will experience an exciting evening of contemporary jazz, Afrocentric rhythms, vocal excellence, and the jazz band energy as the students present the repertoire they will perform at the prestigious Mandela Bay Jazz Legacy Festival in the Eastern Cape and the highly anticipated Jam in Mzansi: Africa Day Jazz Celebration in Durban.

The concert will feature performances by the UKZN Jazz Ensemble and the UKZN Pop Voice Ensemble, highlighting the depth of musical talent emerging from the University of KwaZulu-Natal School of Arts.

The UKZN Jazz Ensemble is set to perform on 29 May 2026 at the Mandela Bay Jazz Legacy Festival’s University Jazz Schools Concert, alongside the NMU Jazz Ensemble and Wits University Jazz Ensemble — a platform celebrating jazz heritage, collaboration, and musical excellence among South Africa’s leading tertiary institutions. https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1593323450 (Gqeberha)

The UKZN Pop Voice Ensemble will then take to the stage at Jam in Mzansi: Africa Day Jazz Celebration on 31 May 2026 at the Durban Botanic Gardens. Presented by Sompisi Events in partnership with Durban Tourism, the event will bring together celebrated jazz artists and emerging performers in a vibrant celebration of African music and culture. https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1590970200

This preview concert offers Durban audiences a unique opportunity to support the students before they embark on these important festival appearances and to experience the creativity, artistry, and energy that continue to define UKZN’s contribution to South Africa’s jazz scene.

Event Details

• Event: UKZN Festival Preview Concert
• Date: Wednesday, 27 May 2026
• Venue: Centre for Jazz and Popular Music
• Concert Time: 17:30

Ticket Prices

• R130 — Standard
• R100 — Pensioners
• R70 — Students

Tickets will be available at the door.

An inspiring evening celebrating the next generation of jazz excellence.