Photographer: Arthur Dlamini
Upcoming Events
Herbie Tsoaeli Live at The Afrikan Freedom Station
Join us in celebrating the 12th Birthday of the Afrikan Freedom Station and the opening of its new premises in Sophiatown and the relaunch of the iconic jazz album, Afrikan Freedom Station.
Get Tickets Here
Arts Alive
Jazz in the Lights
Herbie Tsoaeli was featured in the renowned Arts Alive, the Jazz in the Lights Music Festival, at the Johannesburg Zoo on 30th March 2024 where jazz aficionados delighted in local and international performances. The history of jazz in South Africa is a rich and diverse narrative that intertwines with the country's complex social, political, and cultural landscape.
The day was a fun-filled day for the family as guests could interact with the zoo animals and amenities, while jazz and music lovers enjoyed the latest offerings from new musicians while basking in nostalgic classics from the legends.
Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival
Celebrating the Great Masters in Song & Composition
Herbie Tsoaeli graced the stage at the 2023 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, Africa’s premier jazz festival, which took place on September 29 and 30 at the Sandton International Convention Centre. He presented a special project in tribute to the late Johnny Mbizo Dyani, a South African vocalist and pianist who was a pioneer of free jazz and world music.
He was joined by other talented bassists, Viwe Mkizwana and Dalusi Ndlazi, as well as vocalist Titi Lozipho, who paid tribute to Gloria Bosman, South African singer and composer who passed away recently. He also honoured other jazz masters who came before him, such as Dr Bheki Mseleku and Ntate Winston Mankunku.
Jazz and Classical Encounters
In the Meantime Quintet
Ably backed by Keegan Steenkamp (trumpet/flugelhorn), Steven Sokuyeka (trombone), Andile Yenana (piano) and Tefo Mahola (drums and percussion) and carrying a dancing and singing audience on waves of passion and adulation, Herbie Tsoaeli offered an inspiring, soulful, and playful performance. Some say, to really understand, you have to see him live on stage, close-up and personal with his beloved Mma Sandi (bass), as he whispers, hollers and groans, and dances her around the stage.
His new album At This Point in Time was the primary focus of this set, but in the spirit of his statement that, “I do not have a setlist, I have a waiting list – it’s channelled to me on stage”, the songs were masterfully performed through spiritual direction.
Berlin Jazz Fest
Afrikan Time - Our Sound/ Hours Sound
Performing alongside Ayanda Sikade, Yonela Mnana, Sakhile Simane, Sisonke Xhonti, Busi Sibeko, Bongani Nikelo, Sakhile Moleshe, in this performance Herbie Tsoaeli articulated himself as a eminent figure in South Africa’s bustling jazz scene.
Remembering first-hand the depredations of the Apartheid era, and having endured, serving as a trusted, invaluable sideman, and eventually becoming a bandleader himself, he has functioned as a crucial mentor to many of the talents that have emerged in recent years. His unerring time and warm tone anchor the deeply spiritual jazz of his band, with a touch of traditional South African melodies. For this live video stream, he led the current incarnation of his quintet.
Cape Town Jazz Festival
African Time Meeting Legends Overtime
This ensemble features Herbie Tsoaeli (bass, vocal); Sydney Mnisi (tenor, sax); Feya Faku (flugel horn, trumpet); Andile Yenana (piano); and Kevin Gibson (drums). Its sound is the music of the present and future, guided by spirits, energies and vibrations from the past. It is inspired from the soil and soul of Africa. With this project, Tsoaeli entered centre-stage with an entourage of seasoned African jazz masters, styled in true South African jazz format that collectively presents songs from the African Time album and new compositions.