Jazz in Africa

Africa has been widely credited as the progenitor of jazz, not only because the first practitioners of the genre were Africans living in America but also because they were inspired by their roots across the Atlantic Ocean. In the early 20th century, jazz played a crucial role for black Americans to find their own voice at a time when segregation and Western ideals were enforced upon them. In an act of defiance, they bent all known rules and created a genre that is today regarded as an absolute high art around the world.

The jazz standards that were born in the US are now being combined with the many traditional musical styles in Africa, and in the process evolving the genre at a constant rate that is often difficult to keep track of. We now hear traditional beats, progressions and instrumentation from the continent informing the future of the genre as a whole. In a world defined by technological advancements we also see electronic musicians using African jazz standards from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s as the inspiration for cutting-edge compositions. The future of jazz in Africa is brighter than ever; whereas other genres may come and go, jazz is here to stay as a reflection of true human expression.

In September 2018 we have chosen jazz as our theme of the month. Music In Africa has commissioned Overview texts covering the scenes in a number of African countries and will be adding jazz news, features and reviews as the month progresses.

Overveiw texts

• Jazz in Ghana
• Jazz in Nigeria
• Jazz in South Africa

News, features and reviews

• Nairobi Horns Project eager for Joy of Jazz performance
• Canadian jazz band Avataar to enthral SA audiences
• Win tickets to Standard Bank Joy of Jazz in SA!
• Moses Zamangwa: Jazz is not popular in Tanzania
• SA jazz, classical radio station finds more listeners on TV
• Oliver Mtukudzi wants you to dance at Joburg gig
• Champion of jazz music's African origin passes on
• Young South African composers win SAMRO scholarships
• Nandi Molefe on writing book about SA jazz legends

Also be sure to check out the Music In Africa directory to find the best jazz promoters, labels, studios and venues on the continent

• Managers
• Record labels
• Recording studios
• Venues