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They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but on Saturday 20th September in the historic Market Theatre Precinct in Newtown, a picture will frame more than a thousand notes. Around a hundred of South Africa's jazz players, veterans and youngsters, will gather for a photoshootand jam session in memorial tribute to pioneering modern jazzman, Kippie “Morolong” Moeketsi. The saxophonist was born in George Goch, Johannesburg 100 years ago, on 27 July 1925. He
passed away on 27 April 1983. His career stretched from early kwela music, through historic bands like the Harlem Swingsters, participation in South Africa's first LP by Black musicians, Jazz Epistles Verse One, the King Kong musical, work with Abdullah Ibrahim and, in total, more than 50 recordings. Kippie is hailed by generations of South African players as helping to shape the country's modern jazz sound, and as a mentor and teacher. Now, to honour this legacy in the year of Kippie's centenary, internationally acclaimed, award-winning
photographer Siphiwe Mhlambi is convening a gathering of players at the Market Precinct, around Kippie's statue, for a historic photoshoot and jam session. Music director will be saxophonist and composer Khaya Mahlangu. The team for the event also includes broadcaster Nothemba Madumo who hosts a jazz show on Radio702 and CapeTalk and whose company 4everJazz has been creating
content and events that promote jazz music, culture and preserving its legacy.
The Market Theatre Foundation, which is the custodian of the building that once housed the famous Kippies Jazz Club in Newtown, has been generous to partner with the team to celebrate Kippie
Moeketsi’s centenary and make the event possible.
Mhlambi says, "In 1958, American photographer Art Kane assembled more than 50 jazz musicians in Harlem for an iconic image, usually called 'A Great Day in Harlem', that captured the American jazz
community of that era: everybody from Dizzy Gillespie to Thelonius Monk. I hope our photoshoot for Kippie won't only be a fitting tribute to a towering musical presence but will create a similarly iconic
image of our jazz landscape today – the seasoned veterans and the youngsters, men and women, who are shaping the unique sounds of today's South African jazz."
Artistic Director of the Foundation, Greg Homann, adds “As the custodian of a site that once pulsed with Kippie Moeketsi’s spirit, The Market Theatre Foundation is honoured to partner on this centenary
event that brings together generations of South African jazz musicians in tribute. This special gathering is a reminder of jazz as a communal language – one that acknowledges a legacy left behind
and one that continues to inspire.”
To preserve the legacy of Kippie Moeketsi and the significance of the iconic photograph, the team intends to produce merchandise for sale, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Johnny Mekoa
School of Music for the benefit of music students with instruments and tutors.
The photoshoot will take place from midday until mid-afternoon, followed by a jam session at the Market Theatre from 3pm until 5pm, focusing on Kippie's compositions and repertoire. Come and
enjoy the free jam session - register for your free ticket at Webtickets.
WHEN? Saturday 20th September 2025 JAM SESSION: 3PM TO 5PM
WHERE? Market Theatre Precinct, Newtown, Johannesburg
DRESS CODE: 50’s Sophia town
BOOK A SEAT FOR THE #KIPPIE100 JAM SESSION FREE ENTRY AT: https://qkt.io/hvPGlr
Book early tickets limited!
MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Helga Klizanie [email protected] 084 400 3003
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Market Theatre Newtown Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
