Newtown Jazz and Heritage Festival Set for January 2025, Honours Kippie Moeketsi Centenary

JOHANNESBURG – The vibrant cultural precinct of Newtown in the heart of Johannesburg is poised to host the Newtown Jazz and Heritage Festival, scheduled to take place from January 24-26, 2025. This upcoming iteration of the festival is being curated with a singular, conceptually superb vision: to leverage the centenary of legendary South African saxophonist Kippie Moeketsi, who was born on July 27, 1925.

Anchored in the historical and cultural significance of Newtown, a locale described as the “right place” for such an event “despite the city’s challenges,” the festival aims to serve as a vital bridge between the rich legacy of South African jazz and its dynamic contemporary evolution.

A Centenary Celebration

The decision to dedicate the 2025 festival to the centenary of Kippie Moeketsi underscores his profound influence on the nation’s musical landscape. Moeketsi, a towering figure in the development of South African jazz, remains a key inspiration for generations of musicians. By centering the festival around his life and work, organisers intend to not only pay tribute to his enduring legacy but also to illuminate the threads of influence that connect his era to the sounds and artists of today.

The festival’s concept is described as “conceptually superb,” suggesting a thoughtful and intricate programme designed to explore Moeketsi’s impact through performances, possibly discussions, and other heritage-focused activities. This thematic approach promises attendees a deeper engagement with the history of South African jazz than a standard festival might offer.

Lineup Bridges Generations

The musical programme is being assembled to reflect this blend of heritage and contemporary relevance. While a full lineup is yet to be comprehensively revealed, early indications highlight the inclusion of “radical young bands” such as iPhupho l’ka Biko. The presence of such groups is seen as crucial to the festival’s mission, specifically noted for “bringing the story up to the present day.”

iPhupho l’ka Biko and similar contemporary acts are expected to represent the cutting edge of South African jazz and related genres, demonstrating how the spirit of innovation and cultural commentary embodied by figures like Moeketsi continues to thrive in new forms. Their performances will likely showcase the evolution of the sound, incorporating modern influences while remaining rooted in the South African experience.

Newtown: The Ideal Setting

The choice of Newtown as the festival venue is deliberate and symbolic. Historically a hub of cultural activity, creativity, and sometimes resistance, Newtown holds a special place in the narrative of Johannesburg and South Africa. Despite the urban complexities and “challenges” the city currently faces, Newtown’s heritage, its theatres, museums, and public spaces, provide a fitting backdrop for a festival celebrating jazz and heritage.

Hosting the event here reinforces the idea that jazz is intrinsically linked to the urban fabric and social history of places like Johannesburg. It offers attendees an immersive experience, placing the music within its historical and geographical context.

Ticketing Information

Prospective attendees can anticipate securing their access to this curated experience. A weekend pass for the Newtown Jazz and Heritage Festival is priced at R800. This provides full access to the events scheduled across the three days, from January 24 to January 26, 2025, allowing enthusiasts to immerse themselves completely in the celebration of Kippie Moeketsi’s centenary and the broader South African jazz heritage.

Further details regarding the specific performance schedule, additional artists, and possibly day passes are expected to be released closer to the festival dates. The announced pricing offers potential attendees the opportunity to plan their participation well in advance for this significant cultural event in early 2025.