Few venues hold a place in Joburg’s jazz story quite like 81 De Korte Street in Braamfontein.
Once home to the iconic The Orbit jazz club, the space that welcomed countless musicians and music lovers has been reborn. Jazz at Jozi Gold on Saturday nights steps further into the spotlight at Jozi Gold Brewing Company, celebrating South Africa’s incredible jazz heritage through weekly performances from some of the country’s most respected musicians.
On Saturday, 11 July, the series will welcome celebrated jazz trumpeter Sydney Mavundla for an unforgettable evening of musicianship, improvisation, and connection.
Born in Johannesburg and raised in Barberton, Mpumalanga, Mavundla’s journey with the trumpet began at the age of 14. What followed was a remarkable career that has taken him from local stages to international musical circles, establishing him as one of South Africa’s most respected jazz voices.
Having studied jazz at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal under Professor Darius Brubeck, Mavundla continued developing his craft abroad after receiving a scholarship to study at Florida International University in Miami, where he worked with renowned Cuban trumpeter Arturo Sandoval.
His debut album LUHAMBO earned him a SAMA nomination in 2017, while his latest release Dirge For Our Fathers has continued to affirm his place as an important contributor to South African jazz.
“Joburg has one of the richest jazz histories in the world, and this series is about honouring that legacy while giving audiences a place to experience it live every week,” says spokesperson Glynis Jardine. “Jazz at Jozi Gold on Saturday nights is about creating a consistent space where great musicians and real music lovers can connect.”
The series continues throughout 2026 with a carefully curated programme featuring some of South Africa’s most celebrated jazz performers, reaffirming Braamfontein’s position as one of Johannesburg’s most important cultural destinations.