Uhadi: All Stars of Johannesberg to bring South Africa’s rich jazz history to World Cafe Live on 4/4

When you think of the history of jazz music, South Africa doesn’t immediately come to mind. You probably think New Orleans, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker — all Americans. Jazz was an American creation, after all.

But South Africa has its own rich jazz history, even becoming a significant political tool during the anti-apartheid movement.

Enter Uhadi: All Stars of Johannesberg Jazz. They’re playing Upstairs at World Cafe Live on April 4, and they’re coming to give you a history lesson.

Named after an old South African folk instrument, the quintet is led by saxophonist McCoy Mrubata. Uhadi will be performing both original compositions and quintessential songs from South Africa’s jazz history. If you’re a jazz fan, you won’t want to miss this.

The show begins at 5:30. You can grab tickets via the XPN Concert Calendar.