Celebrated South African jazz pianist and composer Nduduzo Makhathini is set to take centre stage alongside Black Coffee at this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival. But before the grand moment unfolds, an intimate performance will take place on 23 April at Youngblood Gallery in Cape Town. A special invite-only event that offers a glimpse into the artistry and spirit Makhathini is known for.
A Creative Partnership Rooted in Intention
The performance also marks the beginning of a new creative chapter: a collaboration between Makhathini and global and local fashion brand G-Star, who have aligned with the artist for a unique cultural partnership. Rather than a typical brand endorsement, this collaboration is centered on mutual values, craft, creative defiance, and deep-rooted storytelling.
Makhathini’s musical practice is known for its spiritual depth and connection to memory, ancestry, and African sonic traditions. It’s this same uncompromising vision that forms the foundation of the partnership.
This collaboration isn’t just visual, it’s spiritual,” says Makhathini. “We’re telling stories with every note and every stitch. My music is a search for truth, and this partnership honours that process with sincerity and boldness.”
An Exclusive Prelude to the Jazz Festival
Taking place just days before the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, the 23 April performance is more than a warm-up, it’s an invitation into Makhathini’s world. Held at the immersive Youngblood Gallery, the night promises to be an intimate encounter with rhythm, intention, and artistry ahead of one of the most anticipated sets of the festival weekend.
While Black Coffee brings his global house legacy to the festival stage, Makhathini offers a deeply rooted counterpoint, one that speaks to African spirituality, jazz innovation, and the power of sound as a form of healing and resistance.
More Than Fashion, More Than Music
The collaboration between Makhathini and G-Star signals a broader creative conversation, one where music, identity, and self-expression intersect. While the garments may form part of the story, the true focus is on the alignment between two forces who see creativity as a means to challenge, reflect, and inspire.
Nduduzo represents a generation of artists who move with purpose,” says Wedaad Lima, Marketing Manager at G-Star South Africa. “This partnership isn’t about trends, it’s about truth, legacy, and cultural impact.”
What to Expect
As Cape Town gets ready to host the world’s jazz lovers, this exclusive performance sets the tone for what promises to be a standout moment at the festival. Whether you experience Makhathini live at the Jazz Fest or are part of the curated audience on the 23rd, one thing is clear: his message, like his music, resonates far beyond the stage.
