They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but on Saturday, 20 September 2025, 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 photoshoot and 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.