South African Jazz

The history of South African Jazz

South African Jazz, even though many concerts included integrated ensembles, recognized the innovation and talent of black musicians across the world. It was inspired by both African-American performers and indigenous music. The diverse culture and heritage of South Africans, as well as an African-American influence from both ragtime and dixieland jazz, shaped the early South African scene.
Jazz became a form of protest music in the townships, addressing issues regarding police brutality, segregation and injustice. The apartheid years had a great impact on the culture of jazz. Musicians of a different race were no longer permitted to play together, and the music scene changed drastically. Many of the most well-known South African musicians as a result fled the country and spent the majority of their careers in exile, these included multi-instrumentalist Hugh Masekela, pianist and composer Abdullah Ibrahim, and vocalist Miriam Makeba. However, South African jazz sounds evolved with the influence of many of these musicians who lived in exile during the apartheid era.
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