The K Jazz Show on Kofifi FM 97.2

On today’s edition, wherever in the world you may be listening from, this is The K Jazz Show — your Sunday to everyday favourite, where the music breathes, the stories matter, and the artists who are shaping the sound of now find a home. Today we welcome a pianist, composer, sound architect and musical storyteller whose music has been described as ethereal, heavy-hitting, extremely funky and completely infectious. Born in Detroit, forged in the Midwest, sharpened in New York, and now moving across the global stage — this is a musician who is not just playing the piano, but redefining how the instrument speaks in modern music. He has worked with artists like Topaz Jones, Cleo Reed,, Amanda Barise including Tivon Penicott — and somewhere between touring, music directing, sound designing and composing, he is quietly becoming one of the most sought-after pianists of his generation. Kofifi FM, The K Jazz Show introduces Idris Frederick.

There are voices in jazz that arrive like a whisper on a late evening breeze—intimate, luminous, and timeless. Voices that don’t simply sing songs but inhabit them. This Sunday on The K Jazz Show, we welcome one such voice. For over three decades, the Grammy-nominated vocalist Stacey Kent has shaped a singular musical world—one where jazz meets the romance of chanson, the elegance of the Great American Songbook, and the quiet poetry of everyday moments. From her celebrated collaborations with saxophonist Jim Tomlinson to her award-winning interpretations of composers like Antonio Carlos Jobim and lyricist Kazuo Ishiguro, Stacey has crafted a sound that feels both classic and entirely her own. With albums such as Breakfast on the Morning Tram, The Changing Lights, and I Know I Dream: The Orchestral Sessions, she has traveled the world carrying songs like postcards from distant emotional landscapes. And now, that voice journeys to South African soil as one of the headlining artists at the inaugural Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek, taking place from 27–29 March 2026 in the breathtaking Franschhoek Valley—where the legendary Montreux spirit meets African soul in a celebration of music, culture, art, food, and wine.

Lit Culture, an independent bookstore and cultural space in Johannesburg, has honored us with an invitation into their Brixton home to share our work as the Dawjee Trio. ‎On Friday evening, 06 March 2026, إِنْ شَاءَٱللَّٰهُ, we gather some lines & other notes in the presence of Lit Culture’s deeply considered collection of art, politics, music, and African thought. ‎The Jozi Jazz Plug took a look.

Bisoux’s quintessential sound is a cross-over fusion of elements that reinvent the sound of cool jazz, swing, hard bop, modal jazz and the avante garde. Imagery of Ella Fitzgerald, John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock are reflected in the arrangements and improvisations. The fusion of various elements evolves to create an organic sound with a myriad of soundscapes, swing & deep soulful groove. Vocalist Wendy Allen Twyford is our guest.

Bandleader. Composer. Living Legend. McCoy Mrubata doesn’t follow the rhythm; he creates the heartbeat. His latest offering, Children On The Frontline, is more than an album, it is a manifesto. South African jazz in its purest, most provocative form. This Sunday.

“Today, The K Jazz Show doesn’t just fellowship with the artist—we enter a living archive.
 We are surrounded by paint, memory, vinyl, silence, and sound. 
This is where Jazz listens back. 
Sitting with me, is one of South Africa’s most revered visual storytellers, the man whose art hums, swings, remembers, and refuses to forget… Welcome, Sam Nhlengethwa.

On the K Jazz Show, This Sunday, we wrap up the year that was, and we find ourselves in Italy with a renowned bassist and composer who has received multiple awards for his exceptional talent. Michelangelo Scandroglio an artist whose journey has taken him from Europe’s great jazz stages to the world’s most respected festivals… and now, fresh from his inaugural visit to South Africa. From Umbria Jazz to the Kennedy Center, from fearless collaborations to bold new musical visions, we unpack the story, the sound, and the spirit behind the music. It’s a global reflection.
 A year-end pause. And a celebration of jazz without borders.

This Sunday on The K Jazz Show… The future calls, and it swings.
 The Cape Town born, Amsterdam based bassist takes the chair, unpacking his powerful debut album, Future Kwela. From township grooves to global jazz language, from inherited rhythm to bold new imagination this is kwela remembered forward. Join us for a conversation about heritage, movement, young voices shaping the horizon, and music that knows where it comes from… and where it’s going.

This Sunday we welcome an artist who lives beautifully in the in-between —that luminous grey space where jazz, soul, folk, poetry and memory weave themselves into something entirely her own. London–Johannesburg–Paris based singer, pianist and storyteller Matshidiso Mohajane joins us fresh on the show, carrying with her a new body of work that feels at once intimate, brave and borderless. Her new album, IDKL — I Didn’t Know Love, is a genre-blending tapestry of truth, tenderness and radical honesty Matshidiso is one of those rare boundary-pushers who honours the improvisational fire of jazz while stepping boldly into new sonic frontiers.

We welcome back a profound musical thinker, a sonic architect, and one of the most quietly influential forces in contemporary South African jazz. He last graced our airwaves when he gifted us Baba in 2016 and since then, his artistry has only deepened, sharpened, and expanded. Pianist, composer, bandleader, scholar, and collaborator of the highest order… Yonela Mnana returns to The K Jazz Show with a brand-new offering, "Echoes of Marabi "— a bold, beautiful collaboration with Swiss saxophonist Benedikt Reising and the transcendent Soultee Sisters.

It’s always special when we welcome back the giants of our sound, the elders who continue to move the language of jazz forward. Our guest needs little introduction; he’s a saxophonist, composer, producer, cultural thinker, and one of the most profound creative voices in South African music. The last time we spoke, he had just released Enhlizweni, a record that dug deep into our spiritual and musical connectedness. And now, he’s back with Multipolar, his 11th studio album, a sonic meditation that jazz writer Gwen Ansell describes as ‘not American, copycat, or retro,’ but absolutely of this place and of this time.

This Sunday on The K Jazz Show, we’re taking a trip that begins on the banks of the Bosphorus, glides through the cobbled streets of Florence, making its way to Johannesburg — where jazz meets joy, culture meets curiosity, and rhythm knows no borders. An extraordinary young voice in global jazz — Hakan Başar, the 21-year-old Turkish piano virtuoso whose elegance, maturity, and flair have been making waves since his debut On Top on the Roof,. He was recently in Johannesburg for the Joy of Jazz Festival, where his trio’s performance left audiences breathless — not just for their technical mastery, but for their unmistakable warmth and cultural openness. Together, they’ve crafted a stunning new album, Maiden Voyage — a nod to Herbie Hancock’s classic, but with a fresh, youthful vitality that reminds us that jazz, much like travel, is about rediscovery.

It is always a joy on The K Jazz Show to bring you the sounds and stories of artists who are not just shaping the present, but also defining the future of jazz. This Sunday, we are honored to welcome one of the brightest rising stars on the global scene — a 25-year-old Haitian-American baritone whose voice is as rich in depth as it is in vision. Tyreek McDole is no stranger to acclaim — in 2023 he won the prestigious Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, becoming only the second male vocalist in its history to do so. And now, he gifts us with his long-awaited debut album, "Open Up Your Senses", a project that is both bold and tender, rooted in jazz tradition yet expansive in its exploration of spirituality, self-reflection, and social consciousness.

South Africa’s jazz story is a living archive, and each artist adds a new chapter to this ongoing melody. Today on The K Jazz Show, as we open our Heritage Month series, I am truly delighted to be joined by a pianist whose music is both rooted and boundless, deeply African yet universally resonant. He is internationally acclaimed, a winner of the Central Music Awards for jazz, and a nominee at the Mzansi Jazz Awards. He has taken his music to the stages of Europe, India, and across our beloved South Africa — all while shaping the next generation through education and mentorship. Thapelo Khumisi was on The K Jazz Show

So this Sunday, you and I connect with a young drummer from Tel Aviv in Israel by the name of Ofri Nehemya, who has shared stages in collaboration with incredible artists has marked himself as one of the most prominent Israeli drummers in the global jazz scene, collaborating with world wide known artists including Avishai Cohen (bass), Ben Wendel, Shai Maestro, Omer Avital and many others. He is our cover story artist in the 3rd hour this week and we also get to listen to some of his composition and talk to him about his walk with Jazz.

On The K Jazz Show today, we welcome one of the great voices of our time on trumpet—Sean Jones. He’s a celebrated bandleader, composer, and former lead trumpeter of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. As Artistic Director of Carnegie Hall’s National Youth Jazz Orchestra, Sean is shaping the next generation of jazz ambassadors, taking this music across the globe. He joins us to talk about the powerful new live album Live in Johannesburg, recorded at the iconic Market Theatre here in city. This is a story of music, history, and cultural exchange told through the spirit of jazz.

The second hour of The K Jazz Show, we welcome a phenomenal artist whose journey is a story of passion, excellence, and jazz brilliance. She is the 2025 Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz, a trailblazing trombonist, composer, and arranger whose music has graced global stages from Montreux to New York’s Blue Note. This includes performances alongside legends like Hugh Masekela and Ulysses Owens Jr., including the formation of her own sextet, she continues to push the boundaries of South African jazz on the world stage. As she prepares for her much-anticipated debut performance at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, we are thrilled to have her with us.

As we are firmly into the second hour of our show and today, we’re thrilled to welcome an incredible talent as part of our “Road to the Joy of Jazz 2025” series. From electrifying saxophone solos to her soulful compositions, Lakecia’s music has captured hearts around the world. And now, she’s coming to Johannesburg for the Joy of Jazz Festival—and we couldn’t be more excited to have her stop by our way as part of her journey to our favourite festival.

When we say Page Three on The K Jazz Show, we’re talking about those artists who don’t just play music – they live it. We have a guest who has taken the cello – yes, the cello – from the township streets of Sebokeng to the world stage. He is a man whose music breathes, dances, and prays across continents and centuries. On the K Jazz Show, we welcome the extraordinary Abel Selaocoe, here to talk about his current project “Hymns of Bantu” and the upcoming live debut solo offering “Four Spirits”, which show cases music that is already shaking the global scene with its deep rhythms, chants, and spiritual truths.

Now, every so often, we get to witness an artist whose very being feels like music. Someone who doesn’t just play jazz — but breathes, bends, reshapes, and reimagines what’s possible within it. And when that artist happens to be a four-time Grammy Award winner, an inventive bassist, a luminous vocalist, a fearless composer, and one of the most captivating live performers of our time —as music lover you are compelled to make space, to lean in, and certainly listen deeply. It is my absolute pleasure and honour to welcome to The K Jazz Show — a global icon and this year’s Joy of Jazz headliner, Esperanza Spalding.

This week on The K Jazz Show, we were thrilled to welcome a phenomenal saxophonist, composer, and bandleader whose sound resonates across continents – Karl Martin Almqvist is known for his soulful tone, inventive improvisation, and deep collaborative spirit, and has carved out a global presence in jazz. He is coming to South Africa as part of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 2025, performing with his powerhouse ensemble – the Ababhemu Quartet – a group rooted in trust, brotherhood, and a bold vision of unity through music.

From the streets of Italy to the very core of New York City’s jazz pulse, Daniele Germani has carved a sonic path that speaks of fearless innovation and tender homage. Whether he’s navigating the intimate harmonies of jazz or flirting with the gloss of pop influences, Daniele’s sound remains sincere, searching, and soul-deep. Saxophonist, composer, and restless creator, Daniele Germani spoke to us.

on The K Jazz Show, and today we tune into the rhythm of resilience, the sound of soul, and the voice of a nation — all wrapped in one mighty bassline. Joining us live from Russia is a multi-award-winning composer, producer, and bassist whose musical passport has stamped some of the world’s finest stages — from Amsterdam’s Royal Concertgebouw to the King’s Castle in Sweden. He’s orchestrated for the BBC Proms, worked with legends like Hugh Masekela, McCoy Mrubata, Zoe Modiga, and Wouter Kellerman, and scooped Naledi and Mzantsi Jazz Awards along the way. His third album Black Child is on the horizon — and it’s more than music, it’s a message.

We’re joined by South African-born, New York-based drummer, composer & visionary Lumanyano Mzi as he takes us deep into his sonic journey! From his Cape Town roots to international stages, we unpack his inspiring career, global collaborations, and what it means to carry Ithemba Elisha – A New Hope into the world. PLUS: We debut exclusive tracks from the brand new album, and get the scoop on his much-anticipated South African tour! A kind of slick, global futurism. This Sunday.

This September, José returns to South Africa for The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival 2025, and this time he’s bringing us a stunning tribute to the queen of neo-soul, Erykah Badu, from his bold and beautifully reimagined project, José James Sings Erykah. We’ll also dive into his latest album 1978, an autobiographical triumph that’s turning heads across the globe.

This Sunday, The K Jazz Show returns with front-row flair and rhythm-rich coverage of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival. Now, when it comes to world-class groove, finesse on the kit, and a keen ear behind the studio desk, our next guest wears many hats — all stylishly tilted towards excellence. Joining us for the very first time on Kofifi FM 97.2 is a man who keeps time like it’s a fine wine — matured, bold, and full of notes. He’s not just a drummer; he’s a rhythm sculptor, a sonic craftsman, and a creative force who’s been shaping the sound of South African jazz for over a decade. Whether he’s leading his acclaimed Peter Auret Trio, laying down tracks for legends in his Sumo Sound Recording studio, or collaborating with jazz giants both local and global — one thing’s for sure: when Peter Auret is involved, the music doesn’t just play… it speaks.

This Sunday on The K Jazz Show, we welcome back a powerhouse of South African jazz—a trumpeter, composer, and bandleader who plays with the fire of revolution and the grace of heritage. From the Johannesburg streets to global stages, his sound is as fearless as it is fluid. He’s the force behind unforgettable projects like Bhekisizwe, Born to Be Black, and Oratorio of a Forgotten Youth—and he's not done shaking the jazz world. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the ever-evolving, always electrifying, Mandla Mlangeni!

This week on The K Jazz Show, we’re thrilled to be joined by the inimitable Brenda Sisane — broadcaster, cultural curator, creative director, and part of the driving force behind the Journey to Jazz festival. As the festival turns three this year, we take a moment to celebrate its growth, its grounding in pure jazz, and its growing impact from the small town of Prince Albert to the broader South African cultural landscape.

We are joined by none other than the legendary Hilton Schilder — a man whose music is as layered and soulful as the city he hails from. Born into rhythm, raised by Goema, and armed with a playful spirit including 16 instruments (yes, sixteen!), Hilton is Cape Town’s very own sonic alchemist. From Punk to Classical, Rock to Cape Jazz, his fingerprints are all over the South African music landscape. And now, as he prepares to release his 46th — project, he’s still full of fresh stories, sounds, and surprises. A true “mind freedom fighter” if ever there was one.

We’re thrilled to celebrate the 2025 recipients of the Standard Bank Young Artist Awards (SBYA) — an initiative that, for 40 years now, has honored creative excellence and fearless innovation in South African art. Among the six remarkable trailblazers is Siyasanga “Siya” Charles, a Juilliard-trained trombonist whose global career and bold artistic voice have earned her this prestigious accolade. Known for her powerful work with the Siya Charles Sextet and collaborations with legends like Hugh Masekela, Siya is redefining the future of South African jazz.

We’re joined by a collective that’s as much about movement as they are about music. With their brass-heavy sound, genre-defying style, and infectious energy, they’ve made waves across South Africa and beyond. They say they play intelligent music… they play dumb music… and they play whatever they want—because you come anyway!

As the sun rises and the melodies of the past, present, and future intertwine, we are thrilled to welcome an artist whose voice has graced some of the world’s most prestigious stages. His journey in music began at the tender age of 11, singing in renowned choirs before evolving into a seasoned vocalist, working alongside legends like Jonathan Butler, Kirk Whalum, Oleta Adams, and Diana Ross. He has captivated audiences across the globe, performed for world leaders, and lent his artistry to some of the finest jazz recordings in South Africa and beyond. He is on his way to the Journey to Jazz festival and he stopped by this Sunday.

Every week on The K Jazz Show we keep you plugged in with the latest on the jazz band stands with our feature “The Jozi Jazz Plug” and this week we are excited to have with us Wanda Baloyi who is a dynamic force in the music industry, seamlessly blending Afro-Jazz, Neo-Soul, and House into a signature sound that is both timeless and boundary-pushing. Wanda joins us this Sunday to talk about her upcoming performance at the Nelson Mandela Square’s Hard Rock Cafe.

“Kofifi FM, you are spending time in the company of The K Jazz Show, Sundays 10;00 to 13:00 and as always we bring you closer to some of the conversations with your favourite jazz musicians. As the Joy of Jazz Festival approaches, one name stands out—Siya Makuzeni. A dynamic force in South African jazz, and she is a trombonist, vocalist, composer, and bandleader whose musical journey spans continents and genres. From collaborating with legends like Themba Mkhize and Branford Marsalis, Siya’s artistry is boundless. This year, she brings an exciting big band arrangement to the festival, promising a performance filled with bold sounds and deep emotion. Siya joins us this Sunday.

The K Jazz Show, is where we celebrate the rhythm, soul, and stories of jazz! Today, we have an electrifying conversation lined up with a dynamic duo who are shaking up the South African jazz scene— Marumo Femme! Known for their deep passion for music and cultural storytelling, these visionary sisters Mamello and Kopano Pule are the masterminds behind HERoines of Jazz 2025 – An Ode to the Matriarch—an event that promises to be a breathtaking tribute to the legendary women who have shaped South African jazz. Listen closer.

The K Jazz Show, is where we celebrate the finest in South African jazz, and today, we have the honor of sitting down with one of the true luminaries of the genre—legendary bassist, composer, and educator, Carlo Mombelli. Who has long been at the forefront of musical innovation, pushing the boundaries of sound and storytelling through his deeply evocative compositions and performances. Most recently, he played a pivotal role in curating the Wits Piano Festival, a breathtaking celebration of the country’s rich jazz piano heritage and its deep connections to European classical traditions. But Carlo’s journey doesn’t stop there. He is now preparing for yet another major event—Journey to Jazz in Prince Albert—where he will, once again grace the stages with his signature sound. And of course we are thrilled to have him with us today to unpack these monumental moments, his approach to curation, and what lies ahead for him in the world of jazz.

We are in the company of Italian bassist Rosa Brunello, who describes her music as a variety of styles, from avant-garde jazz to experimental soundscapes, she is also the bass player for American jazz vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater and you and I get to sit at her feet and listen to tales of her walk with jazz.

We were joined by friend of the The K Jazz Show and producer of The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival to talk about the 2025 Edition and what they have in store for you!

A Celebration of Karoo Spirit, Jazz Mastery & 30 Years of Democracy is what will be taking jazz travellers to the Western Cape’s town of Prince Albert this year. Building on the festival’s reputation for embodying the true Karoo spirit of music, the 2025 Journey to Jazz continues to attract a stellar line-up of jazz virtuosos.  A key highlight will be Kesivan and the Lights who will present a groundbreaking commissioned work marking South Africa’s 30 years of democracy.   This special performance will be the first time this work is performed on our home soil, offering audiences an evocative, deeply immersive musical conversation reflecting on the highs and lows of this transformative era. The piece will pay tribute to some of the greatest South African jazz composers from the past three decades (and earlier), inviting listeners, you know to experience the evolution of the country’s jazz landscape. Kesivan gave us the exclusive ahead of his tour.

Terrence Collie is a pianist and composer whose refined artistry has cemented him as a vital figure in the UK jazz scene. Known for his expressive touch, deep musicality, and ability to seamlessly blend tradition with contemporary influences, Collie has worked with some of the finest musicians in the industry. His latest project, Elements, is a captivating collection that showcases his evolution as both a composer and performer. In this exclusive interview for The K Jazz Show, we dive into his journey, inspirations, and the creative process behind his new release.

This past week, we learned of the passing of Suthukazi Arosi who transitioned at the age of 64. Suthu was a Singer, dancer, actress, and cultural activist born in Cala in the Eastern Cape. Longtime friend and colleague Mark Roth reflects on the life and times of this icon and we also get tributes from Musicians Bab Themba Mkhize, Skipper Tshabalala, Bernice Boikanyo, Phinda Mtya Matlala and Zamo Mbutho, Louis Mhlanga, actress Baby Cele and entertainer Somizi Mhlongo joins us in this tribute.

Chicagoan Adam Zanolini, is a an ethnomusicologist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and bandleader whose work embodies the deep and ever-evolving legacy of Black creative music. In a collaboration with the players and composers of the mighty AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians) and Chimurenga SA Celebrate the music and philosophy of Johnny Mbizo Dyani - akin to the AACM’s famed “Great Black Music - from ancient to future”. Adam stopped by the show to tell us about it.

North Carolina born and New York based Pianist and Composer Sean Mason is our guest. Whose musical journey has taken him from the soulful heart of the South to the bustling streets of New York City, where he’s now a staple in the city’s vibrant jazz scene. He’s had the honor of playing alongside jazz legends, and his story is one of passion, perseverance, and deep-rooted connection to his Southern roots. He joins us as we talk about his debut project as a leader including his grammy nominated collaboration project with jazz vocalist Cathrine Russell.

uManyano Lwe Jazz is more than just a festival, it is a space where music honours history, uplifts the present, and inspires future generations.          "a coming together of art, activism, and community. A celebration that bridges generations through music and heritage." And this year, the event celebrates Robert Sobukwe’s centenary bringing together art, activism, and community. Creator and Curator Zukiswa White stopped by on her way to the next edition.

South African vocalist, songwriter, recording and performing artist; based in Pretoria. Rorisang Sechele comes bearing news of the release of the first EP in her highly anticipated project, In Full Bloom - The Seed. This project is a celebration of becoming - exploring the beauty and complexity of personal growth through a vibrant fusion of jazz, soul, and RnB. Inspired by the phases of a flower’s life cycle, In Full Bloom lyrically and sonically captures the essence of one’s journey toward self-discovery.

Page Three’s featured artist is a masterful musician, a producer, published author, and educator.   He coined the word 'gospejazzical' as the original term to describe his unique style of piano performance. An improvised fusion of the gospel, jazz, and classical musical idioms that he has developed over many years. John Paul Mcgee or JP joins this Sunday as our guest and we reflect on his recent South African tour including a walk through his musical timeline

Our guest for this week’s hour Africa isn't the regular chip off the jazz block because fuses spoken word and jazz with conscious messaging as part of his repertoire. Imvemnyama’s music arrived on our desk a few weeks ago and he joins us today as we explore this artistry, including sampling some of his music. Click on the play button to rewind

Multi award winning jazz singer and composer who started playing the piano from the age of 5. She was named the Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz and has performed all over the world including, Czech Republic, Slovakia , Germany , France, Italy, Norway, Sweden and the United States. Her latest project, Seven came from 7 years of building a new life in New York City. They always say that every seven years you become a new person, so We explore this and many more conversations with Melanie who joins us for our weekly artist feature, This is Page Three  

Vulani Maxwell Baloyi was born in Malamulele, Limpopo province. He is a Pianist, Producer, Arranger, Lecturer and Performer. And he joins us as our first guest on the show this Sunday as he is about to release his new body of work he calls “Healing Palms” and as always you and I get the front row seat to this exclusive , Maxwell joins us as he also gets ready for the launch event taking place later in the month of November and as always you are invited, Kofifi FM, please help me welcome to the show, Maxwell Baloyi

Multi-instrumentalist, multiple award nominee and acclaimed producer Mpumi Dhlamini He has performed and collaborated with musicians such as Proverb, Zwai Bala, Jimmy Dludlu and Lira while producing works for Wanda Baloyi, Brian Temba, Kabomo, Zama Jobe and Sphelelo Mazibuko; continuing to push the boundaries of genre bending and sonic expression in the jazz world. Weeks after an electrifying performance at the Joy of Jazz Festival in September, Mpumi Dhlamini joins us this Sunday and we are talking about his brand new project Nebula Nomad an interesting word play on clouds and all things universal when one talks about the interstellar, space travel and similar stories.