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SANKAYI JAZZ SERIES PRESENTS SISONKE XONTI: UKHOLO ALBUM LAUNCH AT THE MARKET THEATRE

After six years since his last album, celebrated South African jazz saxophonist, composer and bandleader Sisonke Xonti presents uKholo, a powerful new album exploring faith, hope, healing and resilience.

On Saturday, 7 November 2026, Xonti brings uKholo to the John Kani Theatre at The Market Theatre for a special live album launch, presented by Sankayi Jazz Series and produced by Alex Productions.

The Johannesburg performance forms part of a two-city album launch, following the Cape Town performance at Homecoming Theatre on Sunday, 1 November.

Originally from Cape Town, Xonti relocated to Johannesburg, where he immersed himself in the city’s vibrant jazz scene and developed his musical voice. Six years after his previous album, Xonti presents uKholo, a new body of work shaped by themes of faith, hope, healing and resilience.

uKholo, meaning faith, embodies the essence of faith in challenging times. Drawing on deeply resonant melodies and heartfelt lyrics, the album explores fear, grief, healing and solace, while encouraging listeners to embrace peace, find strength in vulnerability and recognise the importance of community and connection.

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For the Johannesburg launch, Xonti is joined by an exceptional ensemble of South African musicians:

  • Sisonke Xonti, saxophone and vocals
  • Benjamin Jephta, double bass
  • Yonela Mnana, piano and vocals
  • Ayanda Sikade, drums and vocals
  • Keenan Ahrends, guitar and vocals
  • Gontse Makhene, percussion

The uKholo album launch goes beyond a conventional jazz concert. The production is a full theatre experience, bringing together powerful live jazz, storytelling, staging and visual elements to create an immersive presentation of the album’s music and themes.

Sisonke Xonti’s journey has taken him from Cape Town to Johannesburg and onto stages alongside some of the most respected names in South African and international jazz. He has shared the stage with Nduduzo Makhathini, Jazz at Lincoln Centre Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Herbie Tsoaeli, Salif Keita and Jimmy Dludlu.

His new album, uKholo, has already attracted international support from Gilles Peterson, Nicola Conte, Chico Freeman, Daz-I-Kue, Andrew Jervis, QwestTV, Jazz News and Radio France.

The Market Theatre provides a significant setting for the Johannesburg leg of the launch. As one of Johannesburg’s historic and important cultural venues, the theatre has played a major role in the city’s artistic life, including its rich jazz tradition. Bringing uKholo to the John Kani Theatre places Xonti’s new work within this important cultural environment, while providing the space for a production created specifically around the album.

The Johannesburg performance follows the Cape Town launch at Homecoming Theatre, creating a two-city celebration of uKholo and marking an important new chapter in Xonti’s artistic journey.

MEDIA CONTACT

Alex Productions
Email: info@alexproductions.co.za
Phone: 078 6800 478